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.