SingaSpeaks ROAR 23| SINGAPORE | SATURDAY | 10 SEPTEMBER 2016 A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER FROM THE RAMAKRISHNA MISSION, SINGAPORE
A Soul-stirring Shaivaite Conference "Thirumurai" is the name given to Shaivite scriptures in Tamil. This is a collection of 12 holy books written by 27 devotees of Lord Shiva. Most of them are the outpourings of bhakti of the highly evolved saints. However, the teachings of the Thirumurai are not different from the Vedas. They are universal and eternal. Irrespective of the differences in caste, creed, wealth, education, everyone can gain spiritual benefits from these teachings. The 36th Thirumurai Manadu (Conference) held from 27 to 31 July this year at Thandayuthapani Temple was as usual attended by the devotees in large numbers. Swami Vimokshananda was cordially invited by the Conference Committee, represented by Prof Thinnappan who encouraged him to give a Talk in Tamil. The main speaker was of course Dr. N
179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784
Vijayasundari from Tamil Nadu, India. It was indeed worthy to listen to her mellifluous singing of some of the Thirumurai songs and also her powerful lectures. In a short speech in Tamil, as a Guest of Honour, Swami Vimokshananda recounted the great truths that lie in the honey-dipped words of songs in Thirumurai. He also narrated the story of two gardeners, told by Swami Vivekananda to the Rameshwaram audience conveying the idea that service to people is worship of Lord. Link to the Tamil Talk delivered by the Swami: https://vimokshananda.com/audiosvideos/ Dr N Vijayasundari later visited Ramakrishna Mission. She was received cordially and gifted with a Tamil book on Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. She appreciated the role of the Ramakrishna Mission in shaping the youth.
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SATURDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2016
Thirumurai – An intro
The grand Shivalingam well decorated at the entrance welcoming one and all Prof Karunanidhi, Chairman of the Thirumurai Committee honoring the Guest Swami with a shawl
Prof Karunanidhi, Chairman of the Thirumurai Committee honoring the Guest Swami with a token of Appreciation
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PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798
The Thevaram (1st to 7th books)(literally means God's garland) of Appar, Sundarar and Sambandar sing praises of God, in flawless poetical structure, and countless imageries. These songs are like mantras that can shower great blessings such as good married life, and good health to those who read it. The temples mentioned in Thevaram yield great miracles even now. The honey dipped words of thiruvAchakam (first half of the 8th book), which is nothing but pure devotion and surrender, would melt any heart. Thirukovai (the second half of the 8th book), is a wonderful love poem about God. Thirumandhiram (10th book) is a marvelous text on the sophisticated concepts of yoga science. The 9th and 11th book, written by various Shaivites, emit radiance of devotion. The 12th book, (Periya Puranam) is a masterpiece that illustrates the lives of great Shaivites and the greatness of Lord Shivan. The first nine works of Thirumurai are stotram (praises). The tenth Thirumurai namely Thirumandhiram, is shastram (guideline). The eleventh Thirumurai, comprising of numerous work of various Lord Shivan devotees, is prabhantham (assorted). The twelveth Thirumurai is puranam (history). Let these great beacons shower wisdom in our minds ! Courtesy: www.singaithirumurai.org/ index.html
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SATURDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2016
A Soul-stirring Shaivaite Conference
The 12 holy books being carried in a procession from the Temple to the Meeting Hall Dr N Vijayasundari presentded with a book on Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda written by Ra Ganapathy
Prof. Karunanidhi and Prof. Thinnappan presenting the Thirumurai Cds that were released for the public Thiru Kannappan, the Secretary of the Thirumurai Committee escorting the visiting Swami from the stage to his seat 179 BARTLEY ROAD | SINGAPORE 539784
PH: +65 6288 9077 | FAX: 6288 5798
singapore@rkmm.org