Sengalipuram Anantarama Dikshitar

Sengalipuram Anantarama Dikshitar (Tamil: சேங்காலிபுரம் அனந்தராம தீட்சிதர்; 2 August 1903 – 30 October 1969) was a Śrauti scholar and also was a great exponent of the art of upanyasas (discourses) on various subjects in Hinduism. Born in the Thanjavur district as the second son to Sri Subramanya Dikshithar, boy Anantharaman was initiated into the learning of the Vedas under his father Subramanya Dikshithar who was also known as chinna Muthannaval brother of Sengalipuram Vaidhyanatha Dikshithar or Periya Muthannaval. Paruthiyur Krishna Sastri was the first guru for Anantharama Dikshithar. He first had his Aksharabyasam from Krishna Sastri at Muthannavals’s Gurukulam. Then he further studied other Shastras and Vedangas from eminent scholars of repute, astrology from Kadalangudi Natesa Sastrigal who also was his father in law.

On the divine wishes and direction of Sri Guruvayurappan, the presiding deity, He has performed many Srimadh Bhagavatha Saptaahams at Guruvayur. The Sringeri Sankaracharya Sri Abhinava Vidya Teertha Swamigal too eagerly participated in the Navaaham conducted at Tiruprayar Sri Rama Temple at Kerala, as this was performed as ordered by the presiding deity, Sri Rama Himself. In fact, every one was thrilled to know the personal involvement of the Lord in the Navaaham. His discourse attracted tens of thousands of apt listeners, which was unusual till then.

The available portions of the recordings of His discourses rendered in public were brought out in cassettes as per the gracious directions of Sri Kanchi Paramacharya. Now, the contents of the tapes have been processed using software and the result is a far improved audio quality. The improved contents are brought now in both the forms of Compact Discs and also of cassettes. The proceeds are to be used for Sri Adhishtaanam of Sri Deekshithar who attained Sidhi on 30-10-1969 (in the month of Thula, Krishna Sashti tithi) after taking Sanyasa on 21-10-1969,within 10 days. Daily poojas are performed at Sri Adhishtaanam at Chinnathirupathi, Salem Town. His divine presence is still felt there where He answers the prayers of devotees.

Sengalipuram village in Tamil Nadu is famous for its Deekshitars (Smarta Hindus who have performed many Yajnas).

Among the titles conferred on him were

• Amruthavakvarshi
• Upanyasa Charavarthy
• Vaideeka Dharma Samrakshaka
• Pravachana Dhureena
• Veda Yaga Paripalaka
• Ramayana Thathwopadeshaka
• Ramaayana
• Bhagavatha Kesari
• Bharatha Simham
• Pravachana Vaakeesa
• Sruthi Saakaram

The following Upanyasams of Anantharama Deekshithar are available as audio cassettes/CDs:

• Srimadh Bhagavatha Sapthaham
• Sri Sankara Charithram
• Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam
• Srimadh Ramayanam
• Sri Devi Bhagavatham
• Sri Mahabharatham

The following books are available:

• Jaya Mangala Sthothram
• Sri Sundara Kandam

Dikshitar claimed to have been cured of his leprosy by praying to Guruvayurappan. An ardent devotee of Sri Guruvayurappan, Sri Anantharama Dikshitar made a significant contribution to propagate the Narayaneeyam of Meppattur Narayana Bhattathiri all over the world.