Swami Desikans

Panniru Naamam
ANNOTATED COMMENTARY IN ENGLISH BY:
OPPILIAPPAN KOIL
SRI VARADACHARI SATHAKOPAN
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CONTENTS

Introduction to Pannirunaamam 3
Taniyan 1 5
Taniyan 2 6
Kesavan: the PuNDra Roopa Moorthy for the forehead
7
NArAyaNa Moorthy: Protecting the center over stomach
10
Madhavan: Rakshakan at the center of the chest region
13
Govindhan: Rakshakan at the front center of the neck
16
VishNu: Rakshakan from the right side of stomach region
19
Madhusoodhanan: Protection from right shoulder 22
Thrivikraman: The right side of the neck 25
Vaamanan: Left side of the stomach 28
SrIdharan: Left shoulder
31
HrusheekEsan: The left side of the Neck
34
PadhmanAbhAn: Lower Back
37
DhAmOdharan: Back of the Neck
40
Insatiable delight from recital of Panniru thirunAmam
44
UrdhvapuNDra dhAraNa vidhi
45



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_
PANNIRU NAMAM

INTRODUCTION
The twelve Urdhva PuNDrams that a SrI VaishNavan wears on his body (upper torso) is an
important ritual that qualifies him for performing SandhyA Vandhanam, AarAdhanam and all
Vaidhika KarmAs. It is VaishNava lakshaNam.
The 12 NaamAs from Kesavan to DhAmOdharan are invoked as the SrI VaishNavan after
SnAnam adorns the ThirumaNN KaapukaL and the 12 Moorthys are invoked to stay at the
different locations of the upper torso for protection. The 12 Moorthys exist in our bodies in
PuNDra roopam at their sTAnams and protect us. This Prabhandham is to be recited as we
apply the PuNDram at the different locations of the body for the invocation (aavAhanam) of
the appropriate Moorthys.
There are number of Manthrams for adorning the Urdhva PuNDrams:
asthra manthram for purification of the hand used in touching the ThirumaNN katti, another
manthram for prathishtai and yet another manthram for preparing the ThirumaNN paste
with water as well as the AshtAksharam and Nrusimha BheejAksharam for consecration of
the ThirumaNN paste.
One should be seated, while adorning the Urdhva PuNDrams. The index finger or Pavithram
adorning finger has to be used for ThirumaNN Kaappu placement. The middle finger should
never ever be used in placing the ThirumaNN. The Paadham has to be drawn first and the
right extension and the left extension for that Paadham follow next. The two lines connected
by the Paadham should have good amount of space in between to place the consecrated
yellow SrI ChoorNam to have the aavAhanam of MahA Lakshmi with specified names for the
different parts of the upper torso (starting with Sriyai Nama: for the forehead and ending with
SarvAbIshta Phala PradhAyai Nama: for the little ThirumaNN on the upper forehead).
We start the application of the PuNDram in this sequence:
(1) The Forehead
(2) Center of stomach
(3) Center of chest
(4) Middle of the fore portion of the neck
(5) Right side of the stomach
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(6) Right shoulder /bhujam
(7) The right side of the fore portion of the neck
(8) The left side of the stomach
(9) The left shoulder
(10) The left side of the fore portion of the neck
(11) Lower back/lumbar region
(12) and the center of the backside of the neck
The Moorthys invoked to reside in the above positions in sequence are:
(1) Kesavan
(2) NaarAyaNan
(3) Maadhavan
(4) Govindhan
(5) VishNu
(6) Madhusoodhanan
(7) Thirvikraman
(8) Vaamanan
(9) Sridharan
(10) HrisheekEsan
(11) PadhmanAbhan and
(12) DhAmOdharan.
The color of these 12 Moorthys, their favorite weapons and their locations has been described
by Swamy Desikan in this Prabhandham named Panniru ThirunAmam.
These PunDRams are recognized as the sacred Paadhams of Lord VaradarAjan in this
Prabhandham by Swamy Desikan. Hence this Prabhandham like Thirucchinna Maalai, Mey
Viratha Maanmiyam, Aruttha Panchakam is associated with Lord VaradarAjan.
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5
SLOKAS ----COMMENTARY

There are two Taniyans for this Prabhandham.

TANIYAN 1:



.

Panniru Naamam ThiruvathiUrp paran paadham yenRu
nanniRa nAmam padai dhikku yAvayum nAmaRiya
tennan-tamizh thodai seerAr kalitthuRai Odhi yeenthAn
minn uRu nool amar VenkatanAthan namm DesikanE

MEANING:
SrI VedAntha Desikan with the radiant sacred thread, an avathAram of
ThiruvEnkatamudayAn's Temple bell, recognized the 12 Urdhva PuNdrams as the sacred
feet of Lord VaradarAjan of Hasthigiri and described for our anushtAnam the individual
names of the Lord's Moorthams (PuNDra DEvathais) associated with each of these
PuNDrams, their color, locations and the weapons adorned by each of them. These 12
paasurams along with the Phala Sruthi Paasuram are set in the celebrated KattaLai
KalitthuRai metre of Tamil poetry for our enjoyment and benefit.
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TANIYAN 2
__
_
_ _
_ _ .

Kaar-koNDa mEniyan PaadhAmbhutthaik-karutthu irutthi
yEr koNDa keertthi IrAmAnusan tann iNayadi sEr
seer koNDa ThUppul Thiruvenkadaariyan seermozhiyai
Aar koNDu poRRinum ammAl Paadhatthai adaivikkumE

(MEANING):
The SrI Sookthi of Panniru ThirunAmam has been composed by the VedAnthAchAryan of
ThUppul, while he placed firmly in his heart, the lotus feet of the Lord of Hasthigiri with the
hue of dark rain-bearing cloud and meditated on Them. That AcAryan of ThUppul is
associated forever with the sacred feet of ParamAchAryan, RaamAnujA of undiminished
fame. Whoever recites these paasurams of Panniru ThirunAmam will land easily at the holy
feet of Lord VaradarAjan.

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lalaaTe satatam devyaa shriyaa saha viraajitam
catushcakram namasyaami keshavam kanakaprabham
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KESAVAN: THE PUNDRA ROOPA MOORTHY FOR THE FOREHEAD

_ _ _


.

KesavanAi ninRu keezhai tisayilum neRRiyilum
tEsudai aazhikaL naankudan sempasumponn malai pOl
vaasi mihutthu yenai mangAmal kAkkum maRayathanAl
aasai mihuttha maha vEdhiyil aRbhuthanE

MEANING:
Through Veda PramANam, Brahma was convinced that Lord VaradarAjan is the Supreme
Being. In the Yaaga kuNtam of Brahma (on top of Hasthigiri), the mysterious Lord appeared
with the ThirunAmam of Kesavan. That Kesava Moorthy with the hue of a golden mountain,
having four radiant chakrams as weapons and facing the Eastern direction will stand firmly
on my forehead and protect me without fail.
The Sanskrit Manthram used while adorning the ThirumaNN on the forehead is: "Chathus-
chakram namasyAmi Kesavam Kanaka Prabham". "tEsudai Aazhi Naanku" is the
equivalent of Chathus-chakram here. The hue of the Kesava Moorthy is Kanaka Prabhai
(semm pasum ponn malai pOl).
Devathai: Kesavan,
Color: Golden;
Weapons: four discs;
Direction: East;
PuNDra sTAnam: Forehead;
Manthram: Chathus-chakram namasyAmi Kesavam Kanakaprabham.

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amRitodbhavayaa devyaa samaashliShTaM athodare
naaraayaNaM ghanashyaamaM chatushshaNkham namaamyaham
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11
NARAYANA MOORTHY: PROTECTING THE CENTER OVER
STOMACH

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NaaraNanAi nall valampuri nAlum uhanthu edutthum
Oor aNi mEham yenavE udharamum mERkku ninRum
AaraNa nool tanthu aruLAl adaikkalam koNDaruLum
VaaraNa veRppin mazhai muhil pOl ninRa MaayavanE

MEANING:
PeraruLALan is like the dark blue rain cloud standing on top of Hasthigiri. This Maayavan
takes on the form of NaarAyaNa Moorthy, holds four conches as His weapons and faces
west. He adorns the sTAnam of the center of the stomach region and is like a beautiful
traveling cloud. He propagates the Veda Saasthrams and through His limitless mercy has
accepted adiyEn as the object to be protected.
Devathai: NaarAyaNan;
Hue: Sky Blue;
Weapon: four conches;
Direction facing: West;
PuNDra sTAnam: middle portion of stomach.
Manthram: NaarAyaNam ghana-shyAmam chathus-sankham namAmyaham.
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nityaM kamalayaashliShTaM hR^idaye karuNaambudhiM
maadhavaM maNibha~NgaabhaM chintayaami chaturgadam
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14
MADHAVAN: RAKSHAKAN AT THE CENTER OF THE CHEST
REGION


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Maadhva nAmamum vaann gathai nAnkum maNi niRamum
Odhum muRaippadi yEnthi uratthilum mElum alhip-
pOdhalar Maathudan punthiyil anbAl puhunthu aLikkum
ThUthanum NaaTanum aaya toll Atthigiric-chudarE

MEANING:
Athtigiri AruLALan is both the Swamy as well as the ambassador/messenger for the
PaaNDavAs. This ancient jyOthi on top of Hasthigiri became Maadhava Moorthy adorning
four powerful maces in the manner prescribed by the SaasthrAs. He has the hue of sapphire
(Indhra Neelam). He stays at my chest region as well as in the upper (Urdhva disai)
direction. He has entered with affection inside my mind with His lotus lady to protect me.
Devathai: Madhavan;
Hue: Indhraneelam;
Weapons: Four gadhais;
Direction: Urdhva;
PuNDra sTAnam: Chest.
Manthram: Maadhavam MaNibhangAbham chinthayAmi Chathurgadham
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devyaa ca chandrashobhinyaa mama kaNThe viraajitaM
chandrabhaasam chatushshaar~Nga govindaM abhisaMshraye
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GOVINDHAN: RAKSHAKAN AT THE FRONT CENTER OF THE NECK

_
_ _ _ __ _
__ __
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Govindhan yenRum kuLir mathi aahik-kodiyavarai
Evum dhanukkaLudan theRkkilum uLL kazhuthu ninRu
mEvum ThiruvaruLAl vinai theerthu yenai aaNDaruLum
Poovan thozha Atthi Maamalai mEl ninRa PuNNiyanE

MEANING:
Lord VaradarAjan, the holiest of the holies, stands on top of Hasthigiri so that His son
BrahmA originating from the lotus in His navel can worship Him and derive immense
pleasure. He is the embodiment of all PuNNiyams (PuNNiyan). He took on the form of
Govindhan with the hue of the cool rays of Chandran and stays in the center of my neck
facing the southern direction. He is armed with four bows for my protection. Out of His
boundless mercy, He chases away all my sins and accepts me as His eternal servant.
Devathai: Govindhan;
Hue: Moon ray;
Weapon: Four Bows;
Direction: Southern;
PuNDra sTAnam: center of front neck region.
Manthram: Chandra-bhAsam chathus-sArngam Govindham aham aasrayE
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viShNupatnyaakhyayaa devyaa kukShau dakShiNapaarshvagaM
viShNuM chaturhalaM vande padmaki~njalkasannibhaM
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VISHNU: RAKSHAKAN FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF STOMACH
REGION

_ _ _
_
_ __


Vittu vala vayiRRin kaNN vadakkum vidAthu ninRu
mattavizh tAmarait-thAthu niRam koNDa mEniyanAit-
thotta kalappaihaL yeer-iraNDAlum thuyar aRukkum
kattu yezhil sOlaik-Karigiri mEl ninRa KaRpakamE

MEANING:
The boon granting Kalpaka tree, Lord VaradarAjan is standing on top of the Hasthigiri
surrounded by beautiful groves with lovely trees. This Lord has assumed the roopam of
VishNu with golden hue similar to the makarandham dust of the lotus flower. He faces the
northern direction and stays on the right side of the stomach region. He holds four ploughs
(Kalappai) as His weapons to protect me and chase away my SamsAric sorrows.
Devathai: VishNu;
Hue: golden;
Weapons: four ploughs;
Direction: Northern;
PuNDra sTAnam: Right side of stomach.
Manthram: VishNum Chathur-halam vandhE Padhma-kinjalka-sannibham
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vaiSNavIsaMGYayaa devyaa kalitaM dakShiNe bhuje
chaturmusalaM abjaabhaM saMshraye madhusUdanaM
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MADHUSOODHANAN: PROTECTION FROM RIGHT SHOULDER

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__ _ _
__
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Madhusoodhanan yenn valab-bhuyam tenn-kizhakku yenRu ivaRRil
PathiyAi irunthu ponn mAthu uRai Pankaya vaNNanumAi
muthu maa vinaikaL aRukkum muyalankaL yeer iraNDAl
madhu aar iLam pozhil VaaraNa veRppin mazhai muhilE

MEANING:
Lord VaradarAjan is standing on top of the Elephant hill surrounded by the young trees with
honey-laden flowers. This Lord with the hue of the cloud during the rainy season has taken
the form of Madhusoodhanan and stays on my right shoulder carrying four pestles as His
weapons to protect me. This Lord with the hue of the red lotus faces South East and destroys
all of my ancient and fierce karmAs.
Devathai: Madhusoodhanan;
Hue: Lotus;
Weapons: four pestles (Ulakkai);
Direction: South East;
PuNDra sTAnam: right shoulder.
Manthram: Chatur-musalam-abjAbham SamsrayE Madhusoodhanam.

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kaNThasya dakShiNe paarshve varaarohaadhipaM prabhuM
agnivarNaM catuHkhaDgam bhaavayaami trivikramam
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THRIVIKRAMAN: THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE NECK

_
_ __
_ _
_ _ .

Thrivikraman thihazh Thee niRatthan theLivudai VaaL
uruvik-karangaLil yeeraraNDu yEnthi valak-kazhutthum
seru-vikkiramatthu arakkar tikkum siRanthuALum iRai
maruvik-Karigiri mEl varam tanthidum MannavanE

MEANING:
The Lord of Hasthi Giri, the boon-granting VaradarAjar takes the form of Thrivikraman with
the hue of a radiant flame, adorns four swords in His four hands, faces North west (the
direction of powerful RaakshasAs) and stays watchful while established in the left side of the
neck.
Devathai: Thrivikraman;
Color: Agni varNam;
Weapons: four Swords;
Direction: South West;
PuNDra sTAnam: Right side of the Neck.
Manthram: Agni varNam chathu: khadkam BhAvayAmi Thrivikramam
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harivallabhayaa devyaa vaamakukShau sthitam harim
vaamanaM baalasUryaabhaM chaturvajraM vibhaavaye
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VAAMANAN: LEFT SIDE OF THE STOMACH


_ _ __
_
.

Vaamanan yenRan vAmOdharamum Vaayuvin tisayum
thAm adainthu taruNa arukkan niRatthanumAi
sEma-marakkalam semm-pavi-yeer iraNDAl thihazhum
Naamangai mEvia Naanmukan vedhiyil namm ParanE

(MEANING):
The Supreme One, who appeared in the agni kuntam of the Yaagam that Brahma Devan
performed with His dear consort, Saraswathi, takes the form of Vaamanan, faces northwest
direction and stays on the left side of my stomach. His hue is that of Baala Sooryan and uses
four VajrAyudhams for protecting His BhakthAs and serves as the safe boat to ferry us across
the dangerous ocean of SamsAram.
Devathai: Vaamanan;
Hue: the color of Sun at Dawn;
Weapons: Four Vajrams;
Direction: Northwest;
PuNDra sTAnam: Left side of stomach.
Manthram: Vaamanam Baala-SooryAbham chathur-vajram vibhAvayE
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vaamabaahau mahaabaahuM shaar~NgiNyaH patimavyayaM
shrIdharaM punDarIkaabhaM chatuHpaTTaM samaashraye
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32
SRIDHARAN: LEFT SHOULDER


_
_ _
_ .

SeerAr SrIdharanAi Sivan tikkum idappuyamum
yEr aar idam koNDu ilangu veNN tAmarai mEniyanAi
Paar aaya pattayam yeer iraNDAlum bhayam aRukkum
AarA amudhu Atthi Maamalai mEl ninRa AcchyuthanE

MEANING:
The insatiable nectar, the Acchyuthan who never abandons His BhakthAs stands on top of
Hasthi Giri and assumes the form of the celebrated SrIdharan to remove all of our fears
(SamsAra Bheethi). He faces the north east direction (IsAnyam, the direction of Lord Sivan)
holding four big swords (PattAyams). His color is that of white lotus and stays as the
protector and fear remover on our left shoulders.
Devathai: Sridharan;
Hue: White Lotus;
Weapons: Four PattAkkatthi;
Direction: North East;
PuNDra sTAnam: Left Shoulder.
Mantram: Sreedharam PuNDareekAbham chathushpaDDa-samAsrayE
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(4(|4T4l (-4l 4lPT' |4l|B6
6 P J H-4|P 9lTH 6|t9 +
devadevikayaa devyaa vaamakaNThe bibhaasitaM
chaturmudgaraM abhyemi hruSIkeshaM taTitprabhaM
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35
HRUSHEEKESAN: THE LEFT SIDE OF THE NECK

_ _
__ _

__ _ .

yennirudikEsan iRai keezh-idakkazhutthu yenRu ivaRRil
nannilai minnuruvAi nAlu muRkkaram koNDu aLikkum
ponnahil sErnthu alaikkum punal vEhai vadakarayil
Tennan uhanthu thozhum tEna Vedhiyar dhaivam onRE

MEANING:
PeraruLALan is the Only God for the great VaidhikAs of TenampAkkam located on the
northern banks of Vegavathi River, who are worshipped in turn by the PaaNDyan King. That
SrIgrAmam of TenampAkkam located on the banks of the river Vegavathi with jostling waves
rushing gold and akil kattais has many Parama VaidhikAs with expertise in PaancharAthra
Saasthram indispensable for Bhagavath AarAdhanam.That Parama Purushan on top of
Hasthi Giri takes on the form of HrusheekEsan with the hue of the lightning and protects us
with four hammers as His weapons. He faces the lower direction and occupies the left
section of the neck to protect us.
The agrahAram of TenampAkkam is so very near Hasthi Giri that this Srigramam is
considered as a street of Kaanchi. Parama VaidhikAs, who are experts in PaancharAthra
Saasthram live in this auspicious SrIgrAmam. The kula dhaivam of the Parama VaidhikAs of
TenampAkkam is Lord VaradarAjan. The Aasthika SikhAmaNi, the King of PaaNdya dEsam
has the highest regard for the residents of TenampAkkam for their bhakthi to Lord
VaradarAjan and has honored them significantly. There are stone carvings inside the Temple
of VaradarAja attesting such honors by Pandyan King to the residents of TenAmpAkkam.
Devathai: HrusheekEsan;
Hue: Lightning;
Weapons: Four hammers;
Direction faced: lower;
PuNDra sTAnam: Left Side of the neck.
Manthram: ChathurmudhgaramabhyEmi HrusheekEsam TaDith-prabham

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7\49'7\4l+VlTl-
UrdhvapuNDradhyaanashlokaaH
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T|P\44l (-4l P(l4l |4l|=6
9l4 9T+l 9TPl4Tl |9P+
kaTimadhyagayaa devyaa mahaalakShmyaa viraajitaM
pa~nchaayudhaM padmanaabhaM praNamaamyarkarochiSam
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PADHMANABHAN: LOWER BACK

_ _
_

_ _ .

Yemm PaRpanAbhanum yenn pinn manam paRRi mannu ninRu
vemm porrk-kathiravan aayiram mEviya mey uruvAi
amm poRRk-karangaLil aimpadai koNDu anjal yenRu aLikkum
sempoRRt-ThirumathiL soozh SindhurAchala SevakanE

MEANING:
The Lord of Hasthi Giri surrounded by the golden ramparts is a MahA Veeran and takes on
the form of PadhmanAbhan to give abhaya pradhAnam to us. He locates Himself on the
lower back region and manas. He has the hue and lustre of thousand Suns and in His
beautiful hands and body carries the five weapons (Chakram, Sankham, Sword, Bow and
Gathai).
Devathai: PadhmanAbhan;
Hue: Rising Sooryan (Pattu Poocchi);
Weapons: Five;
sTAnam: Manas;
PuNDra sTAnam: Lower Back.
Manthram: PanchAyudham PadhmanAbham PraNamAmyarkka-rOchisham
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7\49'7\4l+VlTl-
UrdhvapuNDradhyaanashlokaaH
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TlT( BB-(4l- 9|6P6-|9T
(lPl ( 6 -9lH -Tl 9|+ = +
kaakude surasundaryaaH patimadbhutarUpiNaM
daamodaraM chatuHpaashaM indrakopanibhaM bhaje
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DHAMODHARAN: BACK OF THE NECK

_ _
_ __
_ __
_ g .

DhAmOdharan yenRan dhAmangaL naalu karangaLil koNDu
aamO taram yena aahatthin utppuram piRRkkazhutthum
thAmOr iLam KathirOn yena yenn uLL aruL aRukkum
MaamOham mARRum mathiL AtthiyUrin MaragathamE

MEANING:
The Lord who banishes the mighty nescience stands at Hasthigiri surrounded by mighty
walls and is splendid like a Maragatha gem (Emerald) in lustre. He takes on the matchless
form of DhAmOdharan and adorns four nooses (Paasams) as His weapon to remove our false
and viparItha knowledge. He is seen inside and outside our bodies and is worshipped at the
back side of the neck.
Devathai: DhAmOdharan;
Hue: Rising Sun;
Weapons: Four Paasams;
Location: Inside and outside the body;
PuNDra sTAnam: back of the neck.
Mantram: daamodaraM chatuHpaashaM indrakopanibhaM bhaje
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sarveShaamakhilaabhiiShTa phaladaashliShTavigraham
vaasudevaamupaase.aham pUrNendvayutasannibham
B49lP|Gll7 T(l|V7|4(P
4lB(4lP9lB 5(P 9T -46B|P+
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INSATIABLE DELIGHT FROM RECITAL OF PANNIRU TIRUNAMAM
_ __
__ _
j j_
_g .

Katthith-thiriyum kalaihaLai vellum karutthil vaitthu
patthikku uRu thuNai Panniru Naamam payilbhavarkku
Mutthikku Moolam yenavE mozhintha immUnRu nAnkum
titthikkum yengaL Thiru-AtthiUrarai sErbhavarkkE

MEANING:
Those BhaagavathAs engaged in the worship of the sacred feet of Lord VaradarAjan will
revere these Paasurams of Panniru ThirunAmam. They will experience the growth of
Bhagavath Bhakthi, perform SaraNAgathi as an upAyam for Moksham and will be blessed
with Nithya KaimkaryAnugraham in SrI Vaikuntam. During their life on earth, those
Prapanna BhaagavathAs will conquer in debate, the vainglorious loud mouths, which run
around seeking debates through display of their imperfect knowledge. These PrapannAs will
find the Panniru ThirunAma Prabhandham indispensable for their Moksham and will
surrender at the sacred feet of PeraruLALan of Hasthigiri.

T|46l|TT |B (l4 T-4lT THl|+
~lP6 4 Hl4 4 (l-64 +P-+


:

kavitaarkika siMhaaya kalyaaNa guNa shaaline.
shrImate ve~NkaTeshaaya vedaanta gurave namaH.

NaarAyaNa, NarAyaNa, NaarAyaNa
Daasan, Oppiliappan Koil VaradachAri Sadagopan
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URDHVAPUNDRA DHARANA VIDHI

The left palm (hand) has to be cleansed (sanctified) and the Sacred clay has to be wetted with
the manthram that begins with GandhadhvArAm. Asthra Manthram is used to protect the
paste to be formed and the Taaraka manthram is used to form the paste. Empowering
(abhimanthraNam) is done with Moola manthram and SrI Nrusimha BhIjAksharam is
written over the sacred clay paste. Suddha Jalam is used next to dilute the paste to the right
consistency with SathadhAra manthram. That is followed by recitation of additional
manthrams (VishNOrnukam, PanchOpanishad manthram, Moola Manthram, 7 VaishNava
Manthrams). DhvadasAkshara manthram is recited next. Now, one is ready to wear the
Urdhva PuNDram on the top of the head with Taara Manthram. This is followed by
placement of the Urdhva PuNDram on the different portions of the torso with the relevant
manthrams. Even here, there are many variations. For adorning just six Urdhva PuNDrams,
VishNu ShaDAkshara manthram is used, for 8 Urdhva PuNDrams, one uses the AshtAkshara
manthram. Some purANAs state that one should use PraNavam for adorning on the
forehead. Some connect it to the situation, where only one Urdhva PuNDram is worn. Every
one is recommended to follow their own AchArya SampradhAyams and KulAchArams.