Dasar.

 https://youtu.be/6zPaP1tXkJQ?si=vrUxh8dysafJyhq0

The Great Village of Kuram and Its Saints

Kuram, a small yet historically significant village in Tamil Nadu, holds an esteemed place in the annals of spirituality and devotion. Located near the sacred city of Kanchipuram, Kuram has been immortalized in the spiritual map of India for being the birthplace of one of the greatest Alvars, Saint Koorathazhwan, a central figure in the Sri Vaishnava tradition.

Koorathazhwan: The Jewel of Kuram

Saint Koorathazhwan, also known as Kuresa, was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and a foremost disciple of the illustrious Acharya, Sri Ramanuja. Born into a wealthy and noble family in Kuram, Koorathazhwan’s life was a testament to humility, scholarship, and supreme devotion. Despite his material riches, he renounced worldly pleasures to serve his guru and propagate the teachings of Vishishtadvaita philosophy.

Koorathazhwan played a pivotal role in assisting Sri Ramanuja in composing the renowned Sri Bhashya, a commentary on the Brahma Sutras. His unparalleled memory and deep understanding of scriptures were instrumental in preserving and disseminating the philosophical teachings of the Sri Vaishnava tradition.

The saint is also celebrated for his unwavering faith and sacrifice. When Chola king Kulothunga demanded a declaration against Vaishnavism, Koorathazhwan willingly faced persecution to protect his guru and the faith. His act of offering his own eyes instead of succumbing to the king’s demands is a shining example of his spiritual fortitude.

While Koorathazhwan is the most celebrated figure from Kuram, the village itself has been a nurturing ground for many scholars and saints who dedicated their lives to the service of Lord Vishnu and the Sri Vaishnava sampradaya. The spiritual aura of Kuram continues to inspire devotees and seekers even today.

Kuram’s legacy is not confined to its past. The village remains a beacon of devotion, scholarship, and selflessness, as exemplified by its great saint, Koorathazhwan. It serves as a reminder of the timeless values of humility, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to God, which are central to the Sri Vaishnava tradition.

By honoring Kuram and its saints, we pay homage to a lineage of spiritual greatness that continues to guide countless seekers on their path to liberation.

Also read my earlier article kurathalawan my favorite written some few years ago. May be 2019.