The problem that had perplexed scholars for years was solved by Maha Periyava in minutes.

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2 October 2013 · 

Paritala Gopi Krishna

1 October 2013

There is an interesting anecdote from Maha Periyava’s life that demonstrates his intelligence and understanding of the Divine. Once a great scholar was compiling a book on the works of Sri Thiagaraja Swamigal of Thiruvaiyaru. He was puzzled by the phrase ‘Yaantha Baantha’ in one of the saint’s songs. Neither discussions with Telugu scholars nor referring to Telugu literature helped him decipher the meaning of the phrase. Finally he approached Maha Periyava. Maha Periyava asked him what alphabets followed ‘Ya’ and ‘Bha’ in Sanskrit. The scholar replied that it was ‘Ra’ and ‘Ma’ respectively. Maha Periyava then explained that Saint Thiagaraja was subtly referring to the word ‘Rama’. ‘Antha’ means end, so ‘Ya -antha’ and ‘Bha-antha’ meant the alphabets at the end of ‘Ya’ and ‘Bha’ which are none other than ‘Ra and ‘Ma’. The problem that had perplexed scholars for years was solved by Maha Periyava in minutes.