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PREACHING IN SRI RANGAM
However, the most fortunate of all
were the dev¬otees of Sri Rahgam, for they were able to see Yatiraja constantly
and listen every day to his discourses on the glories of Lord Narayana. From
miles around people came to see the
great dcdrya and on his order took up the path of devotional service.For
many more years Ramanuja continued to re side in the holy city of Sri
Rahgam—until he was one hundred and twenty years old. During his life he
had established seventyfour centers for
the Sri Vaisnavas and had many thousands of followers, including several kings
and many wealthy landowners. Apart from the householders, he numbered amongst
his followers 700 sannydsis, 12,000
brahmacdris, and 300 ketti ammais, (ladies who had taken vows of renunciation).
Eventually, seeing that his mission on earth was now completed, he decided to
give up his frail body and return to the abode of the Lord. Seeing their spiritual master
becoming fixed in a mood of intense devotion, many of Yatiraja's disciples were
overcome and began to lament loudly.