Translation based on Koil, Sabdam, Vangeepuram, Veerapuram Sri Satagopacharyar’s Rathnaprabha.

Sri VenkatAdhvari also called as Sri VenkatAcarya Deekshidar and Aparadesikan composed Sri LakshmI sahasram. He was born at arasaaNipAlai near Kaancipuram and lived between 1590-1660 A.D.  His family lived near YatoktakAri sannadhi in Kaanchi.  His forefathers had performed many yAgAs and earned the title “Deekshitar”.  There is still a place in arasaaNipAlai that is referred to as “YaagasAlai”. Till date one can see a stone pillar there that is called “Yoopastambham”.  Sri VenkatAdhvari was an expert in tarka, vyAkarNam, mImAmsai, vedAntam, astrology and mantra sAstram.  He used to offer the fruits of all his yAga, yaj~nam to Lord Venkateswara and hence was called VenkatAdhvari.

Among the many works of Sri VenkatAdhvari only some are available to us.  Acarya PancaaSat, SravanAnandam, YadavarAgavEyam, Subhashita Kaustubam, ViSvaguNadarSa Sambu, Uttara Sambu, VaradAbyudaya Sambu, PradyumnAnanda nATakam, LakshmI sahasram are some of his works that have been published so far.  He was said to have translated ThiuvAimozhi in to Sanskrit but the translation for only “oru nAyagamAi” pAsuram is available now.

We learn that Sri VenkatAdhvari served as the court poet during the Mogul rule.  He mentions it himself when he sings “ Mother! I have spent all my life winning my opponents and enjoying the luxuries of the King’s court.  I have never sung your praise nor worshipped you so far”.  He traveled extensively in India, visiting many places of pilgrimage and was honored by many Kings en route.