Tag Sri Vaishnava

What Is Swayam Acharya Of Sri Vainshnavam

Moon shines on Balaji's Forehead.jpg

Iswara means personal God , that's all.

Now to Swayam Acharya.

Later when many Devathas were being worshiped, to distinguish those who worship Vishnu, the term Vaishnava was coined.

As Vishnu is to be worshiped always along with Lakshmi, Sri, has been added.

Thus was born the term Sri Vaishnava.

Swayam Acharya means one who is an Acharya to himself.

In the earlier days, when Brahmins were following all the duties of a Brahmin, including Agnihotra, the tradition was handed over to the son.

Thus the father becomes the first Acharya.

In Upanayana, the Gayathri is first taught by the father.

In all cases Father is the first Acharya.

Sruthi says Pitru devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava in this context.

"Swayam Acharya sampradayam:
In olden days, all the Vaishvaites were very orthodox, performing daily Agni Hothram in their houses. Therefore the father of the family himself was the Acharyan for the members

The Thiruman,Namam Vaishnava Mark

Srivaishnavaites wear Thiruman, Namam , the Urdhva Pundaram , is worn as a mark indicating the fact that they worship Lord Vishnu.

There are two styles of wearing the Thruman.

One is called the Vadakalai and the other one is Thenkalai.

The Vadakalai Thiruman has a curve at the bottom, ( the habit of calling this symbol as 'U' shape must stop as it is irreverent), while the Thenkalai mark is closed at the bottom and there is the extension at the bottom.

Generally, the Thiruman is applied on the forehead and it is auspicious to wear the Thiruman in Twelve places in the Body.

There are twelve Adityas and Vishnu is one of the Adityas.

'Adityaanam Aham Vishnu' Bhagavad Gita Chapter 10.

Names of the Adityas.