FAQ

1. Why is this event called Gnaana Chudar Vilakku?

Boothaththaazhvaar in Irandaam Thiruvanthaathi does mangalaasanam to emperuman as 'Gnaanach chudar vilakku etrinaen Naaranarkku'. This is our attempt to light the lamp of knowledge to the younger generation of Srivaishnavas and enable them to carry the sampradayam forward. 

2. Is there an age limit to participate?

Not really, as long as children are able to recite in front of a judge, they can participate, However, we recommend that children are atleast 5 years old so they can recite without fear or shyness.

3. How many pasurams should my child recite?

We recommend atleast 10 pasurams for each stotram or sri sukthi. There is no maximum limit. Last year's participants are expected to memorize the remaining pasurams in the work they chose last year.

For eg., if the participant memorized 10 slokams of Yatiraja Vimshati last year, then we expect them to memorize all the 20 slokams this year. Similarly, if the participant memorized 20 pasurams of Upadesa Rathina Maalai last year, they are expected to memorize all the 74 pasurams this year.

4. Can the participant recite with the book?

No. Participants are expected to memorize the slokam / pasuram and recite by heart. 

5. Can the participant sing the slokam or pasuram?

It is not mandatory, but if the participant has learnt to sing the slokam or pasuram, they are welcome to do so.

 6. My participant did not receive the certificate or souvenir last year. Why is that?

Certificates have been sent to all the participants from last year. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your participant id, child's name and channel if you have not received it. 

Souvenirs have been sent to all participants in through courier /  local volunteers.  

7. My participants needs to learn these stotrams, can Vedics teach?

Vedics conducts an online santhai program called 'Gnaana Kai Thaa'. Registrations for this program opens every year in the July-August timeframe. Children are encouraged to register for Gnaana Kai Thaa to learn. In addition, santhai recordings are available on the Vedics app as well as the website. Please download the app or browse the website to access these recordings

At this point, santhai recordings are probably the best approach since the event is just a few weeks away

8. I am interested to teach these sri sukthis to interested participants. How can I start?

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.with your name, location, email, phone number, availability, criteria (age group, number of students), the sri sukthi you are available to teach etc., We recommend that you are available atleast 30 minutes for 4-5 days each week to teach. We will attempt to match you with participants interested to learn when Gnaana Kai Thaa registration opens up again in 2023 or as the situation presents

9. What to expect at the event?

Participants will be assigned to a specific volunteer and channel for the time zone. The volunteer will reach out with details of the day / time along with the instructions to join the on-line event. More details will be shared a few days before the event.

10. Is there a dress code for the event?

Participants are advised to be in Srivaishnava Svaroopam / traditional clothing. 

Male participants in dhoti with thiruman or appropriate thilakam (forehead mark) based on their family tradition. Those who have undergone samasrayanam under the holy feet of a Srivaishnava acharya are encouraged to apply dvaadasa urdhva pundrams (12 thiruman).

Female participants in age appropriate traditional dress with appropriate thilakam.

11. How long will the participant be judged?

Each participant will be assigned 15 minutes for recitation and an additional 5 minutes for speech, if chosen. 

12. When is the last day to register?

Registration will close on Oct 20 2023. Beyond this date, we will not be able to accommodate new signups.

13. Is this a competition?

In the spirit of Srivaishnava culture, this is not a competition, rather a celebration of the glorious acharya and the sri sukthis in an attempt to carry the sampradaya forward to the next generation. All participants will be given a certificate and souvenir. Judges will motivate and provide feedback to the participant on their performance with a goal to enrich the participant's interest in the sampradayam. 

14. Is this event online or an In-Person Event in USA ?

This event is online and will be conducted through Zoom or a similar platform. In addition to this virtual event, Vedics is arranging for an in person event in the USA. The In-Person event will happen on Oct 27th to 29th and will have programs for the entire family. Details of the in person event can be found here.

15. I have a question that is not covered above, what should I do?

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.and we will respond to you as soon as possible.

16. I am ready to register, how do I do so?

Please register here