- Sankararatnamala, Souvenir released on the occasion of the Fifth Kumbhabhishekam of Sri Sankara Mattham, Matunga, Mumbai; Pages 154 (A4 size).
The Souvenir, unlike what is commonly understood by the term, is a rare compendium of rich articles by eminent writers on multifarious facets of Adi Shankaracharya – Advaita philosophy, Sankara Bhashyas, Prakarana Granthas, Stotras with special reference to Soundaryalahari and Sivanandalahari, Sankara’s role in temples and Mathams, Advaita and modern science, and some practical guidance for day-to-day life. Beginning with messages of benedictions from various Mathams, the Souvenir recalls the long journey of the Sankara Mattham, Matunga from humble beginnings to the banyan tree that it has grown into today. In this context, there is a rare record of Pravachanam by Sri T.A. Venkateswara Dikshitar, the founder member, on Durga Saptashati, followed by nostalgic reminiscences by devotees. This book, printed on art paper, is a collector’s item.
- Samayak Kalanjiyam – in Tamil by Pulavar Pu.Ma. Jayasendilnathan; Published by Sankara Publishers, Sri Sankara Arts & Science College, Enathur, Kanchipuram 631561; Pages 224; Price Rs.200.
Samayak Kalanjiyam (Encyclopaedia of Religion) is a rare and wonderful treasure of 1000 questions and answers on Sanatana Dharma. As pointed out by Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham in his Srimukham, the author has painstakingly collected bits of information from various sources, on day-to-day living climbing up to deep spiritual insights, arranged them in suitable order and covered a vast ground. Acharya Swamiji says that we should all study this book, bring the teachings into practice and reap the benefit of human life. The range of subjects the author has covered, the momentum maintained in the lengthy presentation and the simplicity without losing the core, of the answers are to be gone through to be believed. An English translation of the book is a must.
- Sri Mahaganapati Sahasranamam – Explanation – in Tamil by Sri Mumbai R. Ramakrishnan; Published by Narmada Padippagam, T. Nagar, Chennai 600017; Pages 288; Price Rs. 210.
This book by the well-known writer provides clear explanation for the 1000 names of Mahaganapati in the Sahasranama Stotra taught by Ganapati himself to Siva, when Siva’s chariot axle broke on his way to Tripura Samharam and Siva prayed to Ganapati. This Stotra is found in Mudgala Puranam. The author has referred to the commentary by Sri Bhaskararaya, the yogi, renowned for his c ommentary ‘Sowbhagya Bhaskaram’ on Lalita Sahasranamam. The lucid explanation covers references to other Puranas on Ganapati and relevant background stories. This book contains, in addition, an essay on the various accounts of avatara of Ganapati, the Purvapeetika and Phalasruti and, Ashtottara Satanamavalis on Devis Siddhi and Buddhi.
- Sri Siva Sahasranamam – Explanation – in Tamil by Sri Mumbai R. Ramakrishnan; Published by Narmada Padippagam, T. Nagar, Chennai 600017; Pages 204; Price Rs. 200.
This book, a companion volume of the above work, by the same writer gives clear explanation for the 1000 names of Siva in the celebrated Siva Sahasranama Stotra in Mahabharata, taught directly by Sri Krishna to the Pandavas. Krishna had taken Siva Diksha from sage Upamanyu and was initiated into this Sahasranama Stotra by the sage at that time. The presentation includes relevant background stories and explanatory notes as required. It covers, in addition, the Purvabhaga and the Uttarabhaga, Rudra Trishati and, notes on Nandikeswara, Chandikeswara, Bhairava and their Ashtottara Satanamavalis.
– P. R. Kannan