SVS 75

69. OM SRESHTAYA NAMA: ॐ श्रेष्ट :
Famous for granting the permanency of Nithyasuris.

Today's [26th May 2008] lecture is also from Perumpuliyur. It is said that when Thirumazhisai Alwar was in this place, the Lord [in the idol form] turned to the direction wherever the Alwar was. Hearing this a great scholar - Perumpuliyur Adigal- wanted to honour the Alwar by inviting him to the yagna he was performing. But there were a few who did not realize the greatness of the Alwar, objected. On knowing this Alwar meditated on the Lord in his heart and as a consequence the Lord appeared in those few persons conscience and made them to realize the Alwar properly.
Jyeshta was explained as the Lord is the One possessing the highest qualities. Sreshta also conveys the same meaning. In Mahabharatha we learn that when that Yudhishtra performed the Rajasooya yagna, all persons like Sahadeva insisted that the Agrapooja [ First rights] was to be conferred on Sri Krishna as He was the sreshta. Wicked persons like Sisupala objected and abused the Lord and were killed. As we saw in last Divine name, Valmiki calls Sri Rama jyeshta and sreshta. He grants the unparalleled bliss to His devotees. Worldly pleasures get stale after sometime. But the Lord gives His devotees pleasure afresh every time [ அப்போதைக்கு அப்போது ஆராவமுதமே!]. Swami Desika felt that even to elaborate a drop of His ocean of qualities, he found it extremely difficult. What to speak of us, then? But it is enough if we realize He is greatest. We can enjoy the sweetness explained by Alwars and Acharyas. He is always enjoyed by the Nthyasuris.