SRI SADARI

SRI SADARI

In Vaishnava temples, upon worshiping the Perumal (Lord Vishnu) one will get Theertham, Sadari and Thulasi. After getting the Theertham, we bow our heads to get blessed with the Sadari (ஸ்ரீ சடாரி). Sadari is in the shape of a cap made of copper, designed like an inverted lotus and topped by the sacred feet of Lord Mahavishnu. Sadari is said to be the form of Sri Nammalwar, who is also named as ‘Sadagopan’. As Sri Nammalwar says in his Thiruvaaimozhi, that all our sins will vanish if we strongly attach ourselves to the divine feet, the sacred feet (Thiruvadi) of Sriman Narayanan. He also explains that this is the universal way of attaining Moksha (Mukthi). Since his Thriuvaaimozhi can't reach all the people in this world but at the same time, they too also have to be shown the way to attain Mukthi, Sri Nammalwar himself is found as ‘Sri Sadari’ in all Sri Vaishnavite temples. In the Sri Sadari, we can find the Thiruvadis (two feet at the top of the Sadari), which are said to be the feet of Sriman Narayanan and this says that Sri Nammalwar is holding the Thiruvadi of Sriman Narayanan on his head. Because of this only, we should bow our head down to be touched by the Sadari on. And this custom is prevalent in all the Vaishnavite Temples. Ṣaḍari means a set of six vices (as lust, anger, avarice, fondness (infatuation), arrogance and jealousy) are considered as the enemies within. This custom of being blessed by the feet of Lord Mahavishnu shall alleviate the devotee from these ‘sadari’ six vices.