The twelve Alwar saints were born in South India spanning 200 AD to 800 AD. The mystic saints
immersed themselves in devotion and expressed their divine experiences in Tamil verse that have been
collected into 4000 stanzas called Divya Prabandha or Divine Hymns. These sacred writings contain rich
philosophical and religious material sourced from the Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata and
Puranas. These hymns are deemed to be on par with the Sanskrit vedas.
Bhagavad Ramaujacharya provided theological underpinning to the teachings and practices of the Alwars
and propagated it as the Sri Vaishnava faith all over India. To this day, most South Indian Vishnu
temples, including our temple, adhere practices established by Bhagavad Ramanujacharya. On the
occasion of Ramanujacharya’s millennium, Shiva Vishnu temple, Livermore will procure Alwar and
Bhagavad Ramanujacharya utsava moorthies and perform pratishtapana on Friday, April 28.
Thirumangai alwar, the last of the Alwars, requested Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam and his consorts to
listen to the pasurams composed by the Alwars and the Lord agreed. Therefore, on the occasion of Alwar
pratistapana, all 4000 pasurams will be recited in front of Lord Vishnu and his consorts on April 26-30.
The Sri Vaishnava Ghosthi is invited to join the Divya Prabhandham chanting during this week. Devotees
are invited to sponsor Alwar pratishtapana and donate generously towards Alwar samprokshana, Astakshari Maha Mantra Yaagam, Sriman Narayana Vratam and Ramanuja Sahasrabhdhi celebrations.
Event Plans:
Tuesday, April 25
4:30 PM Bhagwat Anugjna, Punyaha vachanam, Bhoomi Pooja, Ankurarpanam
6:30 PM Deeksha Dharana/Raksha Bandhanam, Arati, Theertha prasadam
7:30 PM Ekantha Seva
Wednesday, April 26
8:00 AM Suprabhatam, Shiva Abhishekam and Nitya Puja
8:30 AM Dwara Thorana Dwaja Kumbha avahana, Mandala Stapana, Agni Pratishtapana
9:30 – 10:00 AM Dhanyadivaasa seva for Alwars
10:00 – 12:30 PM Divya Prabhandham Parayanam, Aarti, Poornahuti, Satrumurai
2:00 – 2:30 PM Panchagavya adhivasa seva for Alwars
2:30-5:00 PM Astakshari Yaagam, Divya Prabhandham chanting, Aarti, Poornahuti, Satrumurai
7:30 PM Ekanta Seva
