Wednesday, April 30, 2008

SVS 57

51. OM MANAVE NAMA: ॐ मानवे नम:

Possessing the power of sankalpa [making real what is thought of].

Yesterday we saw the Six sentences pronounced by Sri Varadaraja to Swami Ramanuja. Today [30th April 2008] we will see the compassion of the Lord for Swami Ramanuja. These instances of history are not told in a chronological order, we should remember. We are at saalaik kinaru [சாலைக் கிணறு] [road side well]. Learning under Yadavaprakasa in Thirupputkuzhi, the teacher and the disciple had many differences of opinion on various Veda and siddhanta interpretations. Yadavaprakasa felt that leaving Ramanuja like that would endanger his position and so schemed to kill Ramanuja by taking him, along with other students, on a trip to Kasi. While on tour, Ramanuja’s cousin Govinda, informed the teacher’s scheme and so Ramanuja got himself isolated from the group, somewhere near Vindya mountain forests. Left in the deadly forests alone, Ramanuja did not know which way to proceed. The Divine Couple, in guise of Hunter couple appeared before him and asked him to accompany them going south. In a single night the Couple and Ramanuja were on the outskirts of Kanchipuram; Ramanuja was unaware of this. The Wife, in the Couple, wanted water and Ramanuja offered to bring and he found a well from where he brought water. Second time also She wanted water and Ramanuja brought. Third time also She wanted and when Ramanuja brought, he found the Couple had disappeared. By that time it was day break and he asked a passerby, which place it was and that person showed the Punyakoti vimanam of Sri Varadaraja temple and Ramanuja realized that the Divine couple had brought him in a single night from Vindya forests. By mere sankalpa the Lord could bring Ramanuja from Vindya to Kanchi! Even now, this tradition of bringing water from this well [saalai kinaru] to the Lord is continued. Annually, the idols of the Lord and Swami Ramanuja are brought here to commemorate the incident.

Manu means person who determines by his mind. We decide to do so many but are not able to do all. Whereas the Lord can realize each and every decision of Him. His decisions or sankalpa can not be blocked by anyone. All planets and stars are in their respective orbits because of His sankalpa. In fact, everything we see is all His sankalpa.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

SVS 56

50 OM VISWAKARMANE NAMA: ॐ विश्वकर्मने नम:

All worldly affairs are His doings.

Today’s [29th April 2008] lecture is from Kanchipuram in Thondai mandalam [region] [ தொண்டை மண்டலம்] . Kanchi means belt and this place is like the belt for Sri Bhoomadevi. Ka means Brahma and anchita means established. Here the Lord Sri Varadaraja was installed by lord Brahma. So this place got the name Kanchi. Many Acharyas have originated from this place. Swami Ramanuja was born in Sri Perumbhudur, also in Thondai mandalam and visited Thirupputkuzhi nearby for learning under Swami Yadavaprakasa. Later serving the Lord of Kanchi, he was blessed to go and take over from Swami Alavandar for spreading Visishtadvaitam. Thirukkacchi nambigal [Kanchipoorna] was doing the Thiru Aalavattam [fanning] service for the Lord Sri Varadaraja and at that time the Lord used to converse with Swami Kanchipoorna. There he got special tips from the Lord Swami Ramanuja. [ஆறு வார்த்தைகள் ]

Viswakarma means the creator of the Universe. Though Brahma is said to have created the Universe, the inherent power within Brahma is Lord Sriman Narayana and so He is the real Viswakarma. He created lord Brahma when nothing was there. The Upper Seven worlds – Bhoo, Bhuva, Suva, Maha, Jana, Tapa and Satya lokas, and the seven lower worlds – Athala, Vithala, Rasathala, Thalathala, Surathala, Mahathala and Pathala worlds; all these 14 worlds constitute Universe.

Vi also means bird and denotes Garuda. So this name suggests the Lord, Who has Garuda as vehicle and is not bound by Karma [akarma], He is Viswakarma. Kanchi Garuda seva is world famous. Swami Ramanuja had a doubt cleared and requested Swami Kanchipoorna to get the clarification from Lord Sri Varadarajan. Sri Varadaraja mentioned Six sentences to Kanchipoorna as clarification. Of those Six sentences the First is ‘ I [the Lord Sri Varadaraja], the Husband of Sri [Sriyapathi], am the Parathatvam [the Most Superior Entity or God or Paramatma]’ [ ஸ்ரீமானான நாமே பர தத்வம் ]

Monday, April 28, 2008

SVS 55

49. OM AMARAPRABHAVE NAMA: अमरप्रभवे नम:
Granting powers to Four faced Brahma and all the gods and being the Leader of all.

From now on we are to witness the birthday celebrations of Swami Ramanuja, who is also known as Bhashyakara, Lakshmanamuni, Udayavar, Emperumanar, etc. He appeared in Ardhra star of Chittirai month [ coming 9th May]. We propose to see these festivals in Sriperumbudur, Kanchipuram, Thirumalai, Srirangam and Melkote [aka Thirunarayanapuram].
Today's [28th April 2008] lecture is from Sriperumbudur, situated in between Chennai and Kanchipuram. Swami Ramanuja was born in this place. He was born about 1000 years back [circa 1017] to Keasava Somayaji, with the blessings of Sri Partahasarathy of Triplicane. The Lord here is Sri Adi Kesava; but surprisingly the Thayar is Sri Yatiraja Natha Valli, after Swami Ramanuja.
Amaraprabhu means the Leader of devas or gods. All the gods, without exception, derive their power from the Lord only. Amara also means the residents of Vaikunta -Nitya and Mukthas. Vedas proclaim the greatest and number one or prime Deva is Sri Vishnu; and the last of devas is Agni. All other gods are in between. Just like the previous Divine name Padmanabha is counted among mantra [ and can be chanted as mantra or nama sankeertanam for begetting child], amraprabhu also is counted as a mantra. Normally mantra words have to be pronounced correctly, while nama sankeertanam is not that rigid. One person was chanting SVS regularly and by mistake he chanted this name as Maraprabhu instead of Amaraprabhu He thought the Lord was the Lord for trees also. He daily went round a tree also imagining it to be the Lord. A Pundit, once corrected him saying that it should be Amaraprabhu and chided for wrong chanting. This person got fear that he was not doing properly and so stopped the chanting of SVS altogether and stopped going around the tree also. The Lord appeared in the dreams of the Pundit for having thought he had corrected the person and questioned, was not He the Lord of trees also. The Pundit came running to the person and apologised. Like the child's unintelligible words make the parents happy, the Lord likes the uttering of the devotees.

Friday, April 25, 2008

SVS 54 [Padmanabho - 48] (6.3)

48. OM PADMANABHAYA NAMA: पद्मनाभाया नम:
Lotus, from where Four faced Brahma originate, in His navel.

Today's lecture is also from the Sri Ugra Narasimha temple of Thammampatti. Padmanabha means lotus flower in His navel. The Lord created a lotus in His navel and created lord Brahma in that lotus flower. In Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], the Lord graces as Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy. In his Sankalpa Sooryodayam, Swami Desika describes this Kshetram. Here, the garbha gruha has three entrances, as the Lord there is huge. Brahma and all the gods there proclaim that they are not able to fully comprehend the greatness of the Lord here. This is one of the 173 Divine names, which are considered as mantra, when chanted with pranva [om]. This divine name whether chanted as a mantra [ with om] or as nama sankeerthanam [ Padmanabhaya nama:] 108 times daily, will grant child.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

SVS 53

47. OM HRISHIKESAYA NAMA:
Controller of organs. Mouth, ear, eyes and others should concentrate on Him.

Hrishikesa in Sanskrit, has been rendered in Tamil as Irudikesa by Alwars. Hrushikam = organs of a body, Isa = Controller. In Mahabharatha, Bheesha is lying on the bed of arrows. The war is over. Only the Pandavas go to him along with Sri Krishna. Hearing this, great sages like, Vyasa, Athitha, Devala, Sumandhu, Byla, etc., also assemble there. Those sages know that great preachings are going to be made by Bheeshma, referred to as Pithamaha. They are all eager to listen to Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam. Normally, when we meet a person, we enquire about his health. But Sri Krishna enquires Bheeshma, whether his organs are all functioning well. Vyasa and other sages, being gyanis, understand the import of this enquiry. We in our normal and healthy state, do not apply our senses properly. We do not listen to properly or we talk irrelevantly, etc. Bheeshma is in the last lap of his life. One could expect his various faculties not functioning properly. His eyes and mind are absorbed in Sri Krishna. At that time in order that the world should benefit from the words of the grand old man Bheeshma, Sri Krishna - that is Sri Hrishikesa- blesses Bheeshma with all organs functioning properly. This was understood by the sages and so they smiled when Sri Krishna enquired Bheeshma.
Dhruva as a small boy wanted to praise the Lord, when He appeared before Dhruva. The Lord from inside stimulates Dhruva to start his sthothra. Dhruva also opens with the remarks paying his respects to He, Who has stimulated him from inside. In the opening pasuram of Thiruvaimozhi, Nammalwar says 'mayarvara madhinalam arulinan', meaning the Lord has blessed him with intellect and capacity to sing in praise of Him.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

SVS 52 [Aprameyo -46] (6.1)

46. OM APRAMEYAYA NAMA: अप्रमेयाया नम:
Even the Four faced Brahma can not comprehend.

Today's [ 23rd April 2008] lecture is also from the temple of Sri Ugra Narasimha in Thammampatti. It is beneficial to worship Lord Sri Narasimha on pradhosham days and in Swathi star days. Earlier we saw the Lord is responsible for all Devas to get their power, including Brahma's power of Creation. So, the Lord stands most Supreme [Uththama]. Today's Divine name reinforces the same concept in another angle. The Lord is beyond the thoughts and words of Brahma and others - beyond their imagination. It is said that He is beyond the comprehension of Vedas. Even Brahma, who chants Vedas continuously for his duty of creation, finds the Lord beyond his comprehension. Poigai Alwar in his Mudhal Nootrandhadhi, says even the Brahma sitting on the Lotus flower emerging from the navel of the Lord is unable to know the Lord fully. In the commentary, Acharyas cite the example of a fisherman living all his life on the shores of ocean. He knows ocean is large, very deep, and possesses great wealth. But still he will plead ignorance if asked whether he had seen the ocean fully. Similarly, though Brahma is living nearest to the Lord for many years and was created by Him as the first of His creations, yet his knowledge is scanty about the Lord. In Srimad Ramayana, when Ravana approached Mareecha to help in abducting Sri Sita, Mareecha advises him to drop that idea. He tells Ravana that Sri Rama is aprameyam suthejasa - meaning His brilliance is beyond concept or imagination.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

svs 51

45. OM DHATURUTHAMAYA NAMA: धाथुरुथ्थामाया नम:
Superior to the Four faced [Brahma].

Thammampatti [or Sthambampatti] is in between Salem and Athur. Today's [21st April 2008] lecture is also from the Sri Ugra Narasimha temple. Long ago, a woman used to carry banana bunches [வாழை தார்] to neighbouring place for marketing. Once she placed the load here for resting. When she wanted to take the load and go to market, she found all bananas had disappeared. She was puzzled and every time she rested like this the bananas disappeared and so she complained to the Chieftain of the locality. Even a constant vigil could not reveal the cause. But the Lord appeared in the dreams of the Chieftain, and ordered that He was to be brought out of the ground there and a temple be built. Waking up, the statue of the Lord Sri Narasimha was discovered and a big temple was built and poojas started. It is believed that this temple is 1000 years old. Recently samprokshanam [ consecration] was done.
Normally, Dhata means Brahma or Creator. No doubt Brahma creates the world, but he derives this power from the Lord Sriman Narayana. Yuga koti sahasraani vishnum aaradhya padmabhoo: Brahma did pooja for Sri Vishnu for billions of years to get extension of his post of lord of creation. This shows that the Lord is creator of Brahma and so He is greater than Dhatu [dhatu + uttama]. Thirumazhisai Alwar says:
நான் முகனை நாராயணன் படைத்தான்
நான் முகனும் தான் முகமாய் சங்கரனை படைத்தான்.

Monday, April 21, 2008

SVS 50

44. OM VIDHATRE NAMA: विधातरे नम:
Creator of the Four faced [Brahma, the creator].

Today's [21st April 2008] lecture is from the Sri Narasimha temple at Thammampatti. It is possible that the word sthambam [ meaning pillar] has got transformed to thammam.
sthambam tasyam subha kshetre daithyavaksha vidharana: |
dadha divyaayinaam bhadram ugra roope nrukesari ||
[This sloka was composed by the lecturer as he came to worship. Sri Ugra Nrusimha in Sthambampatti and Who tore off the chest of the demon [Hiranyakasipu] blesses all with auspiciousness.]
Past Divine name indicated He is the Creator or He blesses garbha or pregnancy. Today's Divine name suggests, He protects garbha or pregnancy. Thirumazhisai Alwar says He is rescuing him right from when he was in the womb of his mother [என்றும் மறந்தறியேன் என் நெஞ்சத்தே வைத்து நின்றும் இருந்தும் நெடுமாலை ... கருவிருந்த நாள் முதலாக் காப்பு]. For safe delivery this pasuram is recommended. When Aswatthama directed a missile to destroy the child in the womb of Utthara, wife of Abimanyu, the Lord protected and Parikshit was born. The Lord protects all during pralayam, by storing them in His stomach. We are to be grateful to Him.
Vidhatha means also He, Who possesses bird as vehicle [vi = bird, dhata = vehicle].

Friday, April 18, 2008

SVS 49

43. OM DHATRE NAMA: धातरे नम:
Possessing four faced Brahma as His body.

Dhatha means creator of the Universe. During Mahapralayam, there was nothing except Him. Here we should note that Sri Vaikuntam and all Nithyas and Mukthas are there even during Mahapralayam. But this Leela vibhoothi consisting of perishable Universe, etc., are not there and Lord enjoys only when Leela vibhoothi also exists. At that time He decides to create the Prakruthi. He creates Brahma also known as Dhatha. Brahma is empowered by the Lord to do creations.
Dhatha also means He induces creation in Prakruthi. Also, Dhatha means to support and sustain by taking various forms such as Adisesha, Koorma or Varaha. It is believed that Adisesha supports the Universe. But the power to support is derived from the Lord. Adisesha means he was the first jeevatma to attain Moksham and preform services to the Lord.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

SVS 48

42. OM ANADHINIDHANAYA NAMA: ॐ अनाधि निधानाया नम:
With neither beginning nor end. Ever young.

In the Divine Name mahasvana, we learnt that He has a sweet and melodious voice, which means He preached Vedas. Vedas have neither beginning nor end. Vedas are considered as the breath of the Lord. Where Vedas are chanted, there the Divine names of the Lord are chanted. It is necessary for us to listen with rapt attention whenever Vedas are chanted. He is the Lord of all Universes. Anadhinidhana also means He blesses those in praise of Him. Narayana Bhattadri, in his Narayaneeyam, says that they are blessed who immerse themselves in His auspicious qualities, as they gain His favour. Just like the victor shouts victory over the vanquished, those who chant His names shout victory at Yama. Anadhinidhana also means the Lord delights His bhaktas with His enchanting beauty. When we visit temples we should not think the Lord there is made of stone or some metal. Similarly, when we listen to puranas, we should never think of the Lord as another person like us with blood and bones. He possesses aprakrutha [celestial] body.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

SVS 47

41. OM MAHASVANAYA NAMA: महास्वनाया नम:
Possesses extraordinary Vedic modulation.

Our sins are eliminated by His graceful look at us. Sabari says to Sri Rama, that by His look at her, all her sins are gone and she is sanctified. So, eyes have that power and by worshiping Him with the Divine name, Pushkaraksha, we are purified.
In the phala sruthi [फल श्रुथी] it is said that these divine names sanctify us, even for the listener. They will never face amangalam or inauspiciousness, any where. Ajamila was rescued by an inadvertent calling of name Narayana. Mahasvana also means the majestic voice of the Lord. His voice is Srimad Bhagavad Gita! Thiruvai mozhi is regarded as Sama vedam, sweet and melodious part of Vedas. Thiruvaimozhi starts with the Tamil letter 'u' [உ] and ends with the Tamil letter 'tha' [த]. Uth[ உத்] denotes the Lord and so the entire Thiruvaimozhi is the Lord.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

SVS 46

40. OM PUSHKARAKSHAYA NAMA: [ पुष्कराक्षाया नम: ]
Possessing eyes resembling the just blossomed red Lotus.

Thirupputkuzhi Divya desam is on the Madras- Bangalore National highway, ten KMs away from Kanchipuram. Now with plenty of natural beauty, this place is very peaceful. Some individuals are maintaining the Vasantha mandapam, where the Lord arrives Four or Five times in a year. Those performing prayachhchittham here are requested to keep the place clean.
Fourth name in the Fifth sloka is Pushkaraksha. Apart from connection with Puranas, this place is also connected with history. Swamy Ramanuja learnt tharkkam [logic], vyakaranam [grammar], etc., from Swami Yadavaprakasa in this place only. Today's [15th April 2008] Divine name is in a way connected with this place. The Lord's eyes are so beautiful, that even His enemies are captivated by that. In every avatar, be it the Boar or Tortoise, the beautiful eyes reveal Him as Paramatma. When Soorpanaka, ran with nose and ears cut by Lakshmana, to her brother Ravana to complain, instead of telling her plight, she begins to describe the beauty of the Eyes of the Lord! 'Tarunau roopa sampannau! sukumarau maha balau pundareeka visalakshau! cheera krishnajinambarau!'.
In Chadokyopanishad, the Vedas describe the eyes of the Lord as kapyaasam pundareekameva akshini'. Yadavaprakasa was explaining this to another disciple as, the Lords eyes were red like the bottom of a monkey! Hearing this, Swami Ramanuja, who was massaging his guru, was so grieved that tears rolled down from his eyes like boiling water and fell on Yadavaprakasa. Intrigued by this the teacher asked Swami Ramanuja, why tears? Swami Ramanuja told that the comparison of the Lord's eyes were shocking. When the teacher asked what else could be the meaning, Swami Ramanuja told that kapyasam means here Lotus blossomed by Sun [ ka = water, pi= drinker [Sun], asam = blossoms, that is Lotus]. This is how the comparison should be made.

Monday, April 14, 2008

SVS 45

39 . OM ADITHYAYA NAMA:
Showing brilliantly amidst Sun's rays.

Thirupputkuzhi is the place where Lord Sri Rama did the last rites for Jatayu, the bird, which even Dasaratha did not get. He ensured Jatayu reached Moksham. The Lord here is called Sri Samarapungava.This place is famous to eliminate curses of Pithru [ancestors]. We will see today's [14th April 2008] name Aditya. It is the 3rd name in the 5th sloka. He attracts everyone like the inner core brilliance of the Sun and so Aditya. In Bhagavad Gita He says He is Vishnu among the 12 Adityas. In sandyavandanam, we are asked to imagine Him in the midst of Sun's brilliance and then meditate. Vyasa says after enormous research he is of conclusion that only Sriman Narayana is to be meditated upon. Adhithi means Sri Bhoomi Devi. Aditya means the Consort of Adhithi, Sriman Narayana. Aditya means also Adhithi's child. As Sri Vamana, Sri Narayana was born to Adhithi and sage Kashyapa. SriMaragathavalli sametha Sri Vijaya Raghava Perumal will bless us.

Friday, April 11, 2008

SVS 44

38. OM SAMBHAVE NAMA:
By revealing soulabhya, souseelya and soundharya qualities, He creates endless happiness in us.

The Lord reveals His superlative qualities and attracts His devotees. Sri Rama attracted all including the rishis, by His enchanting beauty. Today's [11th April 2008] lecture is from the temple of Sri VijayaRaghava of Thirupputkuzhi [near Kanchipuram]. He attracts also by Oudharya - bountiful benevolence. But Sri Krishna tells that those who seek Him, are having that quality of oudharya. Why? Because through them only all understand that He is capable of granting anything and everything. Rishis wanted to embrace Him when He came to Dandakaranya. But the Lord made them to have that experience in Sri Krishna avatara, when the rishis were born as gopikas. Bheeshma appreciates the beauty of the Lord, when breaking His vow, the Lord hurries towards Bheeshma, with Discus in one hand, and with false anger, on the third day of Mahabharatha war. When gopikas loved His company, the Lord never liked such love alloyed by jealousy and ego; and so He disappears suddenly. When gopikas realized their mistake He reappeared. Sambhu is thus the name suggesting attraction by His qualities.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

SVS 43.

37. OM SWAYAMBHUVE NAMA:
Unlike we born out of our papa/ punya, He is born on His own determination.

Today's [10th April 2008] lecture is from a spot near Garuda sthamba in the temple of Anjaneya in Iyengar kulam [அய்யங்கார் குளம்]. In spite of a search, none could estimate the depth to which this pillar is buried. Anjaneya idol inside also is of same size and the depth of that pillar, on which Anjaneya is gracing, is unknown. Due to security reasons Lord Sri Rama [ சக்கரவர்த்தி திருமகன்] is kept in a nearby place. While visiting this and other temples, please ensure the surroundings' nature are not disturbed and sanctity is maintained.
Swayambhu means appearing at His own will. In Tamil we call than thonri [தான் தோன்றி] to chide some who do not consult others. But here and in places like Sri Mushnam and in Thanthonri malai in Karur, the Lord is totally independent and decides the place and time of His birth [Avatar]. In Ramayana it is said that the Lord decided to finish Ravana, at the request of Devas, but waited for the proper couple to be His parents, and for the time. When Sri Bhooma devi went as a cow and lamented and prayed to the Lord to rescue Her from burden - not of bearing huge mountains and oceans, but of bearing wicked persons-, the Lord agreed to rescue the cow and chose a time to be born as Sri Gopala. Swami Desika says in Yadavabyudayam, anaga, meaning not bound by any karma for birth. When Prashni and Suthapa, prayed thrice to the Lord to be born as a Child to them, He obliged by being born to them as Sri Prashnigarbha. Then when they were Adithi and Kashyapa, He was born as Sri Upendra or Sri Vamana. Again when they were Devaki and Vasudeva, He was born as Sri Krishna. Swayambhu also means possessing captivating beauty. When we see the Lord in the temple, we salute automatically.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

SVS 42

36. OM ISWARAYA NAMA:
Exhibits His Supremacy as Sarveswara, in His avatars.

This is the 12th Divine Name in the Fourth sloka. Like the previous name Prabhu, this name Iswara is also counted in the mantra compilation. Same meaning as Prabhu, Leader, is reinforced. He is the ruler of Ubhaya Vibhoothi- Nithya Vibhoothi, Vaikuntam and Leela Vibhoothi, Universe we see. Vibhoothi means Iswaryam and so possessor/ ruler of them is Iswara. He was called Nidhiravyaya earlier; that is He Himself is undiminishable wealth. He is also called Avaptasamastha kaman [अवाप्था समस्त कामन]. He has no desires to be full filled. He does not need any, as He possesses all. Our desires are never complete nor everlasting. Our desires are more greedy.

sarva sharva shiva sthanu bhoothadir nidiravyaya|
sambhavo bhavana bhartha prabhava prabhureeswara|| 4.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

SVS 41

To make machines such as cell phones, door chimes, etc., chant mantras is not desirable. When the pranava -Om- and nama: are added to any divine name, it becomes a mantra. Mantras have to be acquired from an Acharya in the prescribed way. Even the best medicine will be effective only if it is taken as prescribed. If suitable Acharyas could not be found, there is nothing wrong to chant these Divine names without the pranava and it is guaranteed that it will also yield the same benefits as a mantra would. SVS is a remedy to all our ills and understanding the meanings of each Name will be advantageous. A King wanted his royal guru to administer a mantra. Guru said he would do it later. Couple of days after, the King came and boasted that he had learnt the mantra from the book. Guru told the King that he was a fool and commanded the soldiers to arrest the King. But no soldier moved. King became furious that the Guru appointed by and getting salary from the King should talk like that and so he ordered the soldiers to arrest the Guru and soldiers immediately did that. The Guru smiled. King was perplexed as why the Guru was smiling. Guru said that the same words 'arrest him' were used by both the Guru and the King; it worked with King's uttering, while it was ineffective when Guru told. Moral is mantra is not mere words, but has to be administered by a proper Acharya to be effective.

Monday, April 7, 2008

SVS 40

35. OM PRABHAVE NAMA:
Even born as Human, bestower of extra ordinary rewards.

Buddhirbalam yasodairyam nirbhaya arogatha |
Ajatyam vak patuthvam cha hanumath smaranath bhaveth ||
Today's [7th April 2008] lecture is fron Iyengar kulam [ அய்யங்கார் குளம் ] near Kanchipuram. Anjaneya, capable of granting boons, is gracing. Temple is called Sanjivirayar Koil. As usual the temple with its beautiful artworks is in need of renovation. Once Swami Lakshmikumara Thathachariar, a great Acharya some centuries ago, and a great devotee of Sri Varadaraja of Kanchi, was travelling with huge treasure to contribute to Sri Varadaraja. On the way robbers planned to grab the wealth. At that time, this Acharya prayed for the help of Hanuman and composed a sthotram, Hanumath Panchasat, whereupon Sri Anjaneya appeared and drove away all the thieves. Childless couples pray here for grant of boons.
He, Who can grant Moksham is called Prabhu. In Srimad Bhagavatham, one of the gooks, Chintayanti [not the real name but was always thinking of Sri Krishna], wanted to join Sri Krishna's rasakreeta; but was prevented by her households and so, unable to see Sri Krishna, her mind was only with Sri Krishna; after sometime disappeared and merged with the Lord; Sri Krishna gave her a reward none could ever think of. Similarly, Sisupala, a cousin of Sri Krishna, but who had developed extreme contempt for Sri Krishna, abused Him in the assembly of Kings in the Rajasuya yagna of Pandavas. After waiting for Sisupala to cross the limits, Sri Krishna directed His discus to kill Sisupala. In that last moment Sisupala realized the Lord and saluted and after his killing reached Moksham. Many like Adi Shankara, Swami Prasara Bhatta, Swami Raghavendra, etc., have made commentaries on SVS. One great person has compiled 173 Divine Names in SVS and has commented that they are very powerful like manthras. Uttering those Names will yield the desired results. This Name Prabhu is one such.

Friday, April 4, 2008

SVS 39

34. OM PRABHAVAYA NAMA:
Having special births; thinking of which, will terminate our birth cycle.

Sri Andal is the only female devotee among Alwars. Today's [4th April 2008] lecture is also from Srivilliputhur.
Prabhava means special births [Avatars] are decided by the Lord. We can never decide about our birth, its time or location. We can never, on our own, avoid births also. But the Lord, as the name prabhava indicates, can decide special families and locations for His birth [avatar]. Not only that, the deeds in each Avatar is captivating the devotees. When He appears as a human, He practices dharma a person has to follow - ramo vigravahan dharma:, krishna dharmam sanathanam. He is the embodiment of Dharma. Poothana, the demon emissary of Kamsa, came with the idea of killing Sri Krishna. She applied poison on her breasts and tried to make Sri Krishna drink her milk. Sri Krishna swallowed the poison as well as her life and she got the greatest reward of Moksham. By recalling this episode of Sri Krishna drinking milk, we will cut off our necessity to drink milk; that is we will not be reborn. This explains the greatness of His avatar and so Prabhava.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

SVS 38

33. OM BHARTHRE NAMA:
Most generous to offer Himself to devotees.

We are in Srivilliputur, the birth place of Sri Andal. She has elaborately described the advantages of singing His Names. These are clearly seen in Thiruppavai. It is appropriate to have come to seek the blessings of Sri Andal, after visiting Sri Ranganatha at Srirangam.
Bhartha is normally understood to mean, husband. Sri Ranganatha is considered as the Bhartha of Sri Andal. Today's [3rd April 2008] lecture is from the garden of Sri Andal. He offers Himself, as the fruition to His devotees and delights them. He is bound by the orders of His Bhaktha. In Srimad Ramayana, sage Viswamitra comes to King Dasaratha, and requests that Sri Rama be sent with the sage for the protection of yagna. When Dasaratha is reluctant, the sage says that he knew Who Sri Rama was. Finally, Dasaratha sends Sri Rama with the sage. After, the eradication of all demons who tried to disturb the yagna and successful completion of the yagna, Viswamitra is sitting. At that time Sri Rama along with Lakshmana, stands before the sage with folded hands and requests for further orders of the sage, to serve him.
In Sri Krishna avatar, He delights His devotees by His pranks.
In Janasthana, Dandakaranya, singly, without the help of Lakshmana, kills all the 14,000 rakshasas without suffering a single injury. Swami Desika says asahayasoora and anapaya sahasa. Seeing this, Sri Sita was overwhelmed by happiness at the great bravery of the Lord, and wanted to reward the Lord for His feat. She comes running and embraces the Lord, like a true wife would do to her husband. 'Tam drushtva shatru hantharam maharishinaam sukhavaham, baboova hrishta vaidehi bhartaram parishasvaje'. At the destroying of enemies and comforting of maharishis, Sri Vaidehi was happy to embrace Her Husband. This sloka is daily chanted during Thiruvaradhanam.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

SVS 37

32. OM BHAVANAYA NAMA:
In His avataras, He removes the distress of devotees and brings in happiness, and protects.

Today's [ 2nd April 2008] lecture is again from Sri Thirukkuralappan sannidhi, Srirangam. Long ago, when Madurakavi Alwar used to celebrate the Adyayana Utsavam [Vaikunta ekadasi festival]. he used to stay in this sannidhi.[ note from tgs: though I am not an authority on this subject, I have heard Thirumangai Alwar celebrating the Adyayana Utsavam. For the first time I am hearing that Madurakavi Alwar celebrated Adyayana Utsavam]. Here the Lord is gracing as Sri Vamana with one hand holding Kamandalam [water pot] and another hand holding an umbrella. This sannidhi is maintained by Lakshmi Kumara Thatha Desika family. There is aseparate sannidhi for Sri Thayar.
Bhavana means, by His birth, He redeems us. To ensure that we do not suffer by rebirths, He is born. His objective of Avatara is mentioned in the sloka parithranaya sadhoonam. Main objective is to protect the pious ones. Sadhus are those devotees, who are unbearable of even a second of separation from the Lord. As a bye product, vinaasaya dushkritam - evil doers are destroyed. This is evident in Gajendra Moksham, where to show that He was the Supreme God, He came hurriedly on Garuda. After all the crocodile was not that difficult to be destroyed, as in the case of Ravana or Hiranyakasipu. Swami Parasara Bhattar says more than He, His speed deserved salute! He could have sent His discus to kill the crocodile, sitting in Vaikuntam. In fact, in another story in Srimad Bhagavatham, the Lord sent His discus, to annihilate Kashi town. For Gajendra, considering his immense faith, the Lord had to come in person and accept the flower the elephant was holding.
Bha also means sheen. He is responsible for all bright objects such as the Sun and stars, to have brightness. In front of Him, the brightness of all these appear like a candle light in bright Sun.