Mahakavi Sri Nilakanta Dikshithar's Works and Village Palamadai

ஸ்ரீ நீலகண்ட தீக்ஷிதரும் அவருடைய காவியங்களும் Sri Nilakanta Dikshitar and His Literary Works - Tamil Author: Mr. P. S. Krishnan Third Edition (2023) Published by the Mahakavi Nilakanta Dikshitar Foundation Price: ₹120 Book Review By P. G. Ganesan The first two editions of this book received an overwhelming response from readers. As they have long been out of print and there is renewed interest among today's generation in Sanskrit literature, the Mahakavi Nilakanta Dikshitar Foundation has brought out this third edition. The author, Mr. P. S. Krishnan, has thoroughly studied the finest works of Mahakavi Sri Nilakanta Dikshitar. In this book, he beautifully explains the uniqueness of each literary work, its poetic excellence, the poet's inner struggles, and his sorrow that the knowledge and wisdom he acquired through great effort were often reduced to entertaining a king during his leisure hours. Mr. Krishnan has also attempted to trace the poet's train of thought, suggesting whether a particular work may have been composed during his childhood, youth, or old age. He presents these ideas in his own distinctive and elegant style. This book is not merely a biography; it is an important historical record of the period in which Mahakavi Sri Nilakanta Dikshitar lived. It is, in essence, a scholarly research work. Many researchers have used this book as the basis for selecting their doctoral research topics and have earned Ph.D. degrees. In conclusion, it is no exaggeration to say that through Sri Nilakanta Dikshitar and His Literary Works, Mr. P. S. Krishnan vividly brings before us the life philosophy of a great poet, a political mentor, a visionary who viewed society with deep insight, and a multifaceted literary genius. Pushkaram and Palamadai Author's Note By P. G. Ganesan This book serves as a historical document recording the events, information, and significance of Pushkaram (a great celebration every 144 years for the Tamiraparani River of Tirunelveli originates in the western ghats and ends up at Bay of Bengal in the village of Punnaikayal) and the village of Palamadai. The Pushkaram festival was celebrated from 11 October to 22 October 2018 in Tirunelveli district all through the banks of Tamiraparani river from origin to end, especially in Palamadai. The book records the events, as they actually happened: * Reconstruction of the bathing ghats. * The enormous efforts made to ensure the smooth flow of Tamiraparani river water to the bathing ghats. * Temple renovation and volunteer service. * Community dining and hospitality. * Public health arrangements. The book also explains how the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, Mahakavi Kalidasa, the Bhagavad Gita, Sangam literature, and Mahakavi Sri Nilakanta Dikshitar's work Sivaleelarnavam praise the sacred Tamiraparani River. It further includes: * The greatness of the Mangala Theertham bathing ghat on the Northern bank on the Western side of Palamadai Village south of the Mahakavi Nilakanta Dikshithar’s Adhistanam (Reverred Holy Grave) and Goddess Mangaleswari and God Mangalankureshwarar Temple. * The horoscope of Mahakavi Nilakanta Dikshitar. * Important aspects of his life. * His visit to Palamadai. * Epigraphic evidence explaining why Palamadai came to be known as Nilakanta Samudram. * A Tamiraparani hymn composed by Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamigal of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. * Guidelines for celebrating Mahakavi Nilakanta Dikshitar Jayanti and Aradhana. * Information about the consecration of Kashi Viswanathar and Kashi Visalakshi at his Adhishtanam. * The establishment of the Sringeri Mutt at Palamadai and the role played by Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal. * The contribution of Palamadai elders towards the origin and establishment of the present Government School in the village. * Historical accounts of Udayaneri Perumal Temple, Nellaiappar (Azhagiya Koothar) Temple at Chepparai, and Agneeswarar Temple with Akhilandeswari at Rajavallipuram. The book also remembers and honors those who contributed to these efforts. It is intended to help both the present and future generations gain a clear understanding of Palamadai and its rich heritage. The **Mahakavi Nilakanta Dikshitar Foundation** continues to publish the works of Mahakavi Nilakanta Dikshitar from time to time. Today we realize more than ever that life is uncertain. Therefore, I sincerely request everyone to purchase and benefit from reading the outstanding works of Mahakavi Sri Nilakanta Dikshitar. Those belonging to the Dikshitar lineage should, at the very least, keep his books in their home prayer room and worship them, even if they are unable to read them. It will bring spiritual upliftment. Your support will also help publish more of his invaluable works. --- Works of Mahakavi Nilakanta Dikshitar 1. Sivaleelarnavam – ₹250/- A Sanskrit epic describing the **64 divine acts (Thiruvilaiyadal)** performed by Lord Shiva in Madurai. The entire work is in Sanskrit and currently has no detailed Tamil commentary. 2. Kali Vidambanam – ₹45/- A brilliant satire describing the influence of the Kali age on humanity. Written nearly 300 - 400 years ago, it discusses social values, humor, human eccentricities, and the lies people tell for survival. It entertains while provoking deep thought. Its wit and satire demonstrate that human nature has remained unchanged across centuries. It has also been translated into French. Includes: Sanskrit verses with Tamil Literation and Tamil Commentary. 3. Vairagya Satakam – ₹90/- A profound philosophical work reflecting Dikshitar's scholarship, life experience, and spiritual realization. It explains the greatness of renunciation and how one can attain detachment. Includes: Sanskrit verses with Tamil Literation and Tamil Commentary/ 4. Sabha Ranjana Satakam – ₹90/- Believed to have been composed while Dikshitar served as a minister in the court of King Tirumalai Nayak of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The book discusses principles of good governance, emphasizing that a prosperous kingdom requires: * A wise king * Learned ministers * Just advisors * Great poets * Agriculture * Military strength * Education * Healthcare * Arts * Music * Drama * Dance These are presented from a lofty philosophical perspective. Includes: Sanskrit verses with Tamil Literation and Tamil Commentary 5. Ramayana Sara Sangraha Raghuveerastavam – ₹60/- A devotional hymn summarizing the Ramayana. While many versions of the Ramayana exist, Dikshitar uniquely highlights Lord Rama's choice of Hanuman—an incarnation of Shiva—to search for Sita his Queen. Composed in the Vasantha Tilakam metre, it glorifies Lord Rama. Includes: Sanskrit verses with Tamil Literation and Tamil Commentary. 6. Shanti Vilasam – ₹100/- A philosophical work guiding readers away from sins driven by worldly desires. Dikshitar combines satire, humor, and concern for society while explaining the path to liberation from worldly bondage. A rich Vedantic masterpiece. Includes: * Sanskrit verses * English transliteration * Tamil commentary * English translation of the Tamil commentary 7. **Pushkaram and Palamadai** – ₹150 Author: P. G. Ganesan First Edition: 2019 This book documents the Maha Pushkaram, celebrated once every 144 years on the Tamiraparani River, and records how it was observed in Palamadai. It also presents: * Historical facts about Palamadai. * Traditional oral histories. * The origin of the village's name. * Epigraphic evidence explaining why it was called Sri Nilakanta Samudram This book serves as an important historical document for future generations to understand the heritage of Tamiraparani and Palamadai. For Book Orders P. G. Ganesan Sri Gopala Gruham Plot No. 22, No. 2, First Street A.G.'s Colony, Puzhuthivakkam Chennai – 600091, India Mobile: +91 94440 55318 Email: appaiah55@gmail.com