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**Drugmachine** · 07-14-2008, 05:47 PM

The community

Iyengars

Iyengar refers to one who is characterised by five attributes (Aindu angangal - 5 sacraments), and is independent of the person's caste. It refers to the philosophical affiliation of the adherent.

However, in today reference it is taken to indicate brahmin as most of them are from the Brahmin caste.

The 2 Branches (Kalais)

The Sri vaisnava community can be divided into Vadagalai (Kanchipuram based) and Tengalai (Sri Rangam based) sects.

Outwardly, the 2 sects differ only in the application of their sectarain marks.

Vadagalais (Northerners) are distinguished by a while U line with a yellow central line.

Tengalais (Southerners) are distinguished by a white Y with a red central line.

Vadagalais, follow the teachings of the great Vedanta Desika. They place more stress on the Sanskrit tradition and the varnasrama system with the preservation of the caste status quo. They are inclined to believe in justification by work rather than by faith (markata nyaya).

Tengalais influenced by the commentaries of Pillai Lokacarya and Manavalamaha muni lay greater stress on the vernacular Tamil tradition and are less concern with preserving the caste status quo. The emphasis is more on grace than on works (marjara nyaya)

Apart from 18 major points of doctrinal disputes, the 2 branches have other minor differences, an e.g matter pertaining to prostration.

Tengalais prostrate before the Lord once and mutual prostration is allowed irrespective of age, caste or sex including the guru and disciple.

Vadagalais do it 3 times and prostration is allowed only to the guru , elders without mutual prostration.

Hebbar and Mandyam Iyengars of Karnataka

An unique community concenrated in Melkote, Mysore, Mandyam, Hassan districts in Southern Karnataka, whose orgin is not precise.

One theory is that they are Jains converted to Sri vaisnavism along with their Hoysala King, during Ramanuja exile in Melkote (near Mysore).

Another theory is that they are local Kannadigas converted by Ramanuja.

Another possibility is that they are descendants of Ramanuja's disciples from Tamil Nadu who followed him during his exile.

Most visible of Karnataka Iyengars are Mandyam Iyengars , who differ from other Karnataka Iyengars, who belong to the Tenkalai sect, while other Iyengars come from both.

There is a sizeable Iyengar community hailing from Andra Pradesh, whose mother tongue is Telegu.

Some common Iyengar words

Perumal - Sriman Narayana/God
Thayyar - Laksmi
Thirumanjanam - Abhisekham
Cevittu - Worship
Kainkaryam - Service to God
Sri Curnam - Vermillion
Dadyodanam- Yogurt Rice
Puliyotharai - Tamarind rice
Thiru Kannamudu - Payasam
Adiyen - At your Service
Jeer - Tengalai Pontiff

A clip on the Vairamudi (Diamond crown) Utsava in Melkote.

Gives a glimpse of Melkote. From 5.00 min onwards shows the temple, receiving the Jeer of Melkote and the handing over of the crown by the district officials to the temple.

07-14-2008, 05:47 PM	#13
Drugmachine Join Date Apr 2006 Posts 4,490 Senior Member	The community Iyengars Iyengar refers to one who is characterised by five attributes (Aindu angangal - 5 sacraments), and is independent of the person's caste. It refers to the philosophical affiliation of the adherent. However, in today reference it is taken to indicate brahmin as most of them are from the Brahmin caste. The 2 Branches (Kalais) The Sri vaisnava community can be divided into Vadagalai (Kanchipuram based) and Tengalai (Sri Rangam based) sects. Outwardly, the 2 sects differ only in the application of their sectarain marks. Vadagalais (Northerners) are distinguished by a while U line with a yellow central line. Tengalais (Southerners) are distinguished by a white Y with a red central line. Vadagalais, follow the teachings of the great Vedanta Desika. They place more stress on the Sanskrit tradition and the varnasrama system with the preservation of the caste status quo. They are inclined to believe in justification by work rather than by faith (markata nyaya). Tengalais influenced by the commentaries of Pillai Lokacarya and Manavalamaha muni lay greater stress on the vernacular Tamil tradition and are less concern with preserving the caste status quo. The emphasis is more on grace than on works (marjara nyaya) Apart from 18 major points of doctrinal disputes, the 2 branches have other minor differences, an e.g matter pertaining to prostration. Tengalais prostrate before the Lord once and mutual prostration is allowed irrespective of age, caste or sex including the guru and disciple. Vadagalais do it 3 times and prostration is allowed only to the guru , elders without mutual prostration. Hebbar and Mandyam Iyengars of Karnataka An unique community concenrated in Melkote, Mysore, Mandyam, Hassan districts in Southern Karnataka, whose orgin is not precise. One theory is that they are Jains converted to Sri vaisnavism along with their Hoysala King, during Ramanuja exile in Melkote (near Mysore). Another theory is that they are local Kannadigas converted by Ramanuja. Another possibility is that they are descendants of Ramanuja's disciples from Tamil Nadu who followed him during his exile. Most visible of Karnataka Iyengars are Mandyam Iyengars , who differ from other Karnataka Iyengars, who belong to the Tenkalai sect, while other Iyengars come from both. There is a sizeable Iyengar community hailing from Andra Pradesh, whose mother tongue is Telegu. Some common Iyengar words Perumal - Sriman Narayana/God Thayyar - Laksmi Thirumanjanam - Abhisekham Cevittu - Worship Kainkaryam - Service to God Sri Curnam - Vermillion Dadyodanam- Yogurt Rice Puliyotharai - Tamarind rice Thiru Kannamudu - Payasam Adiyen - At your Service Jeer - Tengalai Pontiff A clip on the Vairamudi (Diamond crown) Utsava in Melkote. Gives a glimpse of Melkote. From 5.00 min onwards shows the temple, receiving the Jeer of Melkote and the handing over of the crown by the district officials to the temple.
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