INTRODUCTION
Nathamuni (823-951) was a Vaishnavite Saint and a great scholar who compiled the NalayiraDivyaPrabandham, a great collection of sacred texts praising the importance of Lord Vishnu,with the help of Nammalvar. He was the foremost person to propagate the philosophy of Vaishnavism. He has also written the holy texts Yogarahasya and Nyayatattva. His birth name was Aranganathan. But due to his devotion on god, he came to be known as Nathamuni, which means god’s servant. He was praised by the Chola kings, and admired him for his pure devotion and dedication towards Lord Vishnu. He contains good knowledge and wisdom and a master in all subjects and learnt all the regional languages.
Nathamuni was born in the village in Kattumannarkoil, Tamil nadu and died at Gangaikonda Cholapuram.His several other names were Sadamarsana Kula Tilakar, Sottai Kulaththu Arasar and Ranganatha Acharya.
His father’s name was Isvara Bhatta and his son’s name was Isvara muni, and his grandson was Yamun acharya. All of them were ardent devotees of Lord Vishnu.
He travelled throughout India, to spread the bhakti spirit among the devotees. He compiled several poems in praise of Lord Ranganatha. He served as the Srirangam Temple In charge. He introduced the system of chanting the divine songs from the great text “NALAYIRA DIVYA PRAPANDAM” in the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam.
Nathamuni, made a system for the recitation of Tamil Vedas during the main festivals of the Lord Ranganatha.Nammazhwar’s songs are sung even now at Srirangam and several other temples of Lord Vishnu.
His main disciple was Pundarikaksha, whomade his disciple Ramamisra to guide Yamunacharya, the grandson of Nathamuni.Nathamuni was against caste discrimination, and treated all castes of people equally and respected them properly. Due to his kind attitude over others, everyone has praised him for his good nature and gave much respect and worshipped him as an avatar of god.
Let us worship the great saint and be blessed.
“OM SRI NATHAMUNI SWAMIGALE NAMAHA”
“OM NAMO NARAYANAYA NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY R.HARISHANKAR