SVS 98 [ Samvatsara-92](10.7)

92. OM SAMVATSARAYA NAMA: ॐ संवथ्सराय नम:
Lives with devotees and induces.

All are requested to come to Veerapandipudhur, only with a desire to participate in the ensuing great function and worship Lord Sri Lakshma Narasimha. We saw in the last Divine name that the Lord is Aha: or glows like daylight. In today's Divine name samvatsara:, it is suggested that He stimulates and shapes the devotees for more devotion. The Lord says in Gita that He redeems those who utilise their organs in His service. Adi Sankara also says mama dehi karavalambam - only the Lord can redeem him. In Gita again He says that devotion should be with love. We should leave the benefits we deserve to Him and we should be content withn our bhakti alone. It is His responsibility to grant us what we need. We should worship Him as a great previlege.

SVS 97 [ Aha -91]( 10.6)

91. OM ANDHE NAMA: अन्धे नम:
He shines as the Day for those caught in darkness for infinite time.

We are at Veerapandipudhur, where Sri Lakshmi Narasimha is gracing. Aha: means He graces as Day. Day symbolizes light as different from night or darkness. We are groping in samsaram darkness. Here, the Lord appears as Light and guides us. While the Sun could remove the external darkness, the Lord can remove both external and our internal darkness or ignorance. In his Sankalpa Sooryodhaya, sanskrit drama, Swami Desika, opens the literature with the sloka, praying that the Lord, Who removes the darkness in us, to bless us. In the word guru, gu means darkness and ru means remover. We regard Sriman Narayana as the First Guru and Acharya of all.

SVS 96 [Prajabava -90](10.5)

90. OM PRAJABHAVAYA NAMA: ॐ प्रजाभवय नम:
Providing all creations the means to attain Him.

We are in Veerapandipudhur, where Sri Lakshmi Narasimha is gracing in swayambu form [appearing on His own, and not formed by any sage or human]. This place is near Periyanayakkan Palayam near Coimbatore. Sri Lakshmi Narasimha is here with Sri Maha Lakshmi and Prahalada. Many have reported of being blessed with good things after worshiping the Lord here. Renovation was carried out an year back. On ensuing 11th July, anniversary of renovation is to be celebrated. Since the renovation ceremonies were conducted under the supervision of Swami Ramanuja, who was specially brought from Periyanayakkan Palayam, this year also anniversary functions also will be done under the auspices of Swami Ramanuja. Like last year, this year also Swami Ramanuja would be carried by bhaktas, walking the entire stretch [padayatra]. All are requested to participate in great numbers. Today's [24th June 2008] Divine name, prajabhava means the Lord has provided us our limbs, ets।, and He helps to utilise them in His service. In the last Divine name it was told that we have the organs to serve Him. But the behaviour of these in that service depends on His will. By worshiping Him, we can get His grace.

SVS 95 [ Viswaretha - 89](10.4)

89. OM VISWARETASE NAMA: ॐ विश्वरेतसे नम:
Root Cause of Universe.

The Lord is embodiment of happiness or ananda. Devas' ananda is greater than humans; lord Brahma's ananda is much superior to Devas'. The Lord's ananda is described as Paripoorna Bramhanubhavam [ total and complete bliss] and He only can grant this to others. This is the import of the Divine name sarma. We are provided with various organs and what we do normally, we think, are the only ones we are supposed to do. These organs are also available in beasts and other living organisms. But can those prostrate to the Lord as we do? Can the sing in praise and think of His greatness as we can? We have to, therefore realize that all these organs are meant to serve Him. The exact meaning of today's [23rd June 2008] Divine name is, He, Who deploys our organs in His service. Mere folding hands in respect [namaskaram or anjali] is more than performing yagnas. 'A' [அ or अ ] indicates the Lord. So Anjali means the Lord is melted by mere anjali, like an ice melting, and pardons all our sins. Such is the power of respect shown by hands. Like this our every organ should be deployed in His worship.

SVS 94 [Sarma -88]( 10.3)

88. OM SARMANE NAMA: ॐ शर्मने नम:
He is the Ultimate Objective.

This Divine name suggests that the Lord alone can grant us the faultless and pure Vaikuntam. Therefore, elders regard this as special. Thondaradipodi Alwar in his Thirumalai [திருமாலை], says something not found in Puranas. Mudgala was a great sinner and even unintentionally had not done any good. After death, he was taken to Naraka loka. There he sees other sinners being punished and so is afraid. Fear, he never felt while doing evils, appeared on seeing what he was to get as a result for evil deeds. Lord Yama came to him and was examining whether he had done any good things in his life. He found that he had uttered 'Krishnaya nama:' once. Yama asked Mudgala, whether he ever prayed to Sri Krishna. Mudgala replied that the word Krishnaya nama: was told just like that. Again Yama asked him, whether Mudgala knew the meaning of Krishnaya nama:. This conversation was happening amidst other sinners experiencing severe punishments in hell. But the word Krishnaya nama:, uttered by Yama and Mudgala, transformed the agony of other sinners to pleasing experiences. Hell was converted to Heaven. Such is the greatness of Divine name. Therefore, the Divine name sarma creates happiness in us and makes the Lord happy.

SVS 93 [ Sharana -87](10.2)

87. OM SHARANAYA NAMA: ॐ शरणाय नम:
He is the Means to reach Him.

Sharanam means He is the means to reach Him. In Gita, the Lord tells Arjuna to worship Him to reach Him. Swami Desika also says that Vedas acclaim that He is the means to attain Him. In Kanchipuram, Sri Yathokthakari Perumal is there. When Saraswati, wanted to flood the yagna being performed by lord Brahma, the Lord lied down to prevent the flood. He is Sri Yathokthakari. Swami Desika says in Vekasethu sthotram, that the Lord is One but appears as Dual as Sri Yathokthakari and Sri Hasthisailesa [Sri Varadaraja]. That is by worshiping Sri Yathokthakari, we can worship Sri Varadaraja. Dwayam mantra, is sharanagati mantra. Charanam = feet and sharanam = surrender. Why should we surrender? So that we can serve Him for ever. Lakshmana surrendered to the Lord Sri Rama, so as to serve Him always, even in the forests.

SVS 92 [ Suresa-86](10.1)

86. OM SURESAYA NAMA: ॐ सुरेशाय नम:
Leader of Devas [gods].

Today's [ 18th June 2008] lecture is also from Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple at Agaram. Bheeshma reiterates certain points repeatedly to impress in our minds. Suresa means Leader of Suras [Devas]. Vedas consist of two parts: karma kanda explains how to perform an yagna, etc; gyana kanda or vedanta explains how to reach Moksham. Karma kandam details decaying results one could obtain. But by practicing bhakti yoga or by saranagati, one could attain Moksham and this is explained in gyana kanda. Therefore gyana kanda is superior. This is uniformly told and in one voice by all the three vedas - rig, yajur and sama . Itihasa, purana and smritis all support this view. Sriman Narayana alone grants us Moksham.

SVS 91 [ Atmavate- 85]

85. OM ATMAVATE NAMA: आत्मवते नम:
Possessing jeevatma as His property.

We are today [17th June 2008] at Agaram, on the way to Kanchipuram. The temple is in shambles and requires attention to renovate. The Lord here is Sri Srinivasa. Atmavan means the Lord is delighted to have all the atma. Though He is the Lord of the Nitya vibhooti [Vaikuntam] and Leela vibhooti [ All others], He is happy every time an atma reaches Him. He yearns for every atma to come to Him. Swami Parasara Bhatta converses with the Lord Sri Ranganatha, as He is having Thirumanjanam or Abhishekam or Holy bath. When the Lord claims that a jeevatma is His, that atma refutes and does not agree to the various shastras and other authoritative literature to show that atma is not independent but a servant of the Lord. Finally, the Lord appearing in wet clothes and wearing tulasi garland, promises that atma is His possession only.

SVS 90 [Kruthaye-84]

84. OM KRUTHAYE NAMA: ॐ कृतये नम:
    

He grants the Punya deeds Himself, so that He is remembered.

The Lord is without equals and superiors. He is unperturbed and knows the punya/ papa [good/evil] deeds of all. Here this Divine name suggests that the Lord grants the intellect, strength and capability for jeevatma to do punya. People in general desire to reap the results of good deeds; yet, refrain from doing good deeds. Similarly, they do not desire the effects of bad deeds and yet they put in lots of efforts to do bad things. This is the nature of this world. Swami Parashara Bhatta says that the Lord has given us Shastras to lead us in darkness; but we are not realizing this help, and suffer. Shastras have to be learnt by serving Acharyas. Even for Arjuna, the Lord tells that the significance of His teachings have to be learnt from Acharyas by serving them. The Lord has provided us all organs to serve Him. By doing good deeds we will be blessed with the intellect to pray Him to grant us Moksham. God always gives the option to choose good and bad ways. We have to select and He helps in that direction.

SVS 89 [Kruthagyaya-83]

83. OM KRUTHAGYAYA NAMA: ॐ कृतज्ञाय नम:

He recognizes even the small work we do ash a great one.

Today also we are at the sannidhi of Sri Kothyanda Raman on the banks of Chandra pushkarini in Srirangam. We can worship Kulasekara Alwar. Yesterday we saw the Divine name Duradarsha, by which His unperturbed nature was explained. Akshobya also means same quality. Today's Divine name is Kruthagya, which means He never forgets our good deeds to Him. We get the results of our papa and punya. He exhibits no partiality. But He has to award results according to our karma. We can see how this name kruthagya is exhibited in Srimad Ramayana. Great people forget and forgive even enemies. Valmiki says that Sri Rama forgets all the evils but remembers a single good thing and praises always. By chanting this name we will never forget others' help. The Lord recognizes even the small unintentional good deeds and awards great results.

SVS 88 [ Duradarshaya 82]

82. OM DURADARSHAYA NAMA: ॐ दूराधर्शाय नम:
Like the ocean, can not be perturbed.

While all were expecting the coronation of Sri Rama, in Srimad Ramayanam, mischief was played by Manthara and so Kaikeyi demanded the grant of two boons Dasaratha had promised in the past. By these, Sri Rama was to live in forests for 14 years and Bharatha was to be made the King. Dasaratha was bound by the dharma of keeping up his promise. Sri Rama when conveyed the news that He was not to be made King but was to be exiled, His face was not clouded by sorrow; on the contrary, His face brightened like the just blossomed lotus, says Tamil poet Kamba. Today's [13th June 2008] lecture is from the sannidhi of Sri Kothanda Rama near Chandra pushkarini, in Srirangam temple. He is gracing with Sri Sita and Lakshmana. Sri Ranganatha is called Periya Perumal, as He was worshiped by Sri Rama. By seeing Sri Rama here, we can understand the meaning of duradarsha - never perturbed by anything. We also by praying the Lord with this Divine name, can drive away our worries and problems.

SVS 87 [Anutthamaya- 81]

81. OM ANUTTHAMAYA NAMA: ॐ अनुत्तमाय नम:
None equal or superior to Him.

Today's [11th June 2008] lecture is from the sannidhi f Sri Pacchaivanna [ஸ்ரீ பச்சை வண்ணன்]. This is opposite Sri Pavazhavanna [ஸ்ரீ பவழ வண்ணன்] sannidhi in Kanchipuram. The latter is counted among 108 Divya desam, while the former is not. These are situated on the highway linking Chennai and Bengaluru. The Lord in this temple is Sri Srinivasa. Utsavar is called Sri Pacchaivanna. Sri Varadaraja Perumal can rectify all our physical disabilities. In the place Pettai, near Poovirundavalli [Poonamalle], the Lord is Sri Haritha vahana [ஸ்ரீ பச்சை வாஹனர் ]. Anutthama means none equal or superior to the Lord. No comparison to Him. Like nothing comparable to ocean. There is no comparison to Sri Rama Ravana fight. Arjuna exclaims after seeing the Viswaroopam of the Lord, that there is nothing equal to Him in all the worlds. In Thiruvinnagar, the Lord is called Sri Oppiliyappan. Oppu means equal and ili means none.

SVS 86 [Kramaya -80]

80. OM KRAMAYA NAMA: ॐ क्रमाय नम:
Pervading all and enjoying.

Krama means He is complete in all respects and there is no deficiency. Vikrama denoted He is rider of the Bird Garuda. By having all these He is enjoying. This happiness at no time gets diminished. By granting our requests and making us happy, He is delighted. Vedas say that they are incapable of listing His greatness. He is the Proprietor and Controller of Ubhaya vibhuti. His greatness is unparalleled.

SVS 85 [ Vikramaya -79]

79. OM VIKRAMAYA NAMA: ॐ विक्रमाय नम:
Rider on Garuda and comes in प्रोसस्सिओं

In Srimad Ramayanam, Kakasura had done the greatest sin, more than Ravana or Indrajit or Kumbakarna. Because Kakasura wounded the Divine body of Sri Sita. In that incident, the Lord Sri Rama woke up and when no weapon was available, He took a grass and after chanting Brahmastra mantra and aimed at the wicked bird. This is the reason He is addressed as Medhavi. In fact, from this episode came the popular saying வல்லவனுக்கு புல்லும் ஆயுதம். Vikrama means He Who has bird as vehicle. Many gods have bird as vehicle. Brahma has swan and Arumuga has peacock as vehicles. But Garuda is unique in that it is considered as an embodiment of Vedas. In Garuda panchasat, Swami Desika praises Garuda. It is said that the Lord's name Sri Hari came when He came hurriedly on Garuda to rescue elephant, Gajendra. As we wake up in the early morning it is beneficial to imagine the Lord as mounted on Garuda. Vi = bird, krama = vehicle. In all temples during Brahmotsavam, Garuda vahanam is considered important. Because it is Vedas -Garuda- expose the Lord, as the God.

SVS 84 [ Medhavi- 78]

78. OM MEDHAVINYE NAMA: ॐ मेधाविनये नम:
Capable of handling all weapons.

At the end of SVS Bheeshma tells that the Lord is sarvapraharanayudhaya, which means He has all the weapons. So, when Panchayudha is mentioned it is only symbolic and the Lord possesses every weapon we can think of. For example in the Ashtabuja Perumal temple, in Kanchipuram, He holds eight different weapons. Swami Desika has composed a poem to describe 16 types of weapons. Medhavi means not merely possessing any weapon, but possessing the skill to deploy them at the appropriate place. In puranas we are told of astra- sastra vidya. Astram means by chanting proper mantras and invoking the relevant god to aid in the missile or arrow to be shot. We have heard of Agneyaastram, Varunastram, Brahmaastram, etc. Sastram means use of weapons without such mantra chanting. For example, for deploying mace or sword, no mantra chanting is necessary. In Pancharatra agama, there is Ahirbudhya samhita, which details the pooja to be performed to the Lord. Ahirbudhya denotes lord Shiva. In this samhita, all details of all weapons and their usage are explained. Perialwar tells of a story which is not found in the Puranas we have now. Sri Krishna had a close friend Seemalika, who misused the friendship. Sri Krishna's advice went in vain. Once Seemalika using his closeness with the Lord, wanted to try using the discus. Sri Krishna dissuaded His friend, but in vain. Finally, agreed to teach Him how to handle this divine weapon. When Seemalika tried to copy what Sri Krishna did, the discus Sri Sudarshana, cut off Seemalika's head. So deployment of weapons is a skill.

SVS 83 [Dhanvine-77]

77. OM DHANVINE NAMA: ॐ धनविने नम:
Gracing with bow Sarngam.

Today's [5th June 2008] lecture is also from Ayyampettai, on the way from Walajabad to Kanchipuram, and where Lord Srinivasa is gracing the devotees. The captivating beauty of the Lord here proclaims that He is the Leader of Ubhayavibhoothi. It is at these feet, Nammalwar surrendered by saying pugalonrilla un adikkeezhamarndhu pugundhene [புகலோன்றில்லா உன் அடிக் கீழ் அமர்ந்து புகுந்தேனே].
Iswara and Vikrama Divine names emphasised the irrefutable and irresistible super power of the Lord. Now, Bheeshma states His divine names based on His Divine weapons, of which Five are considered very important. It is customary to start or end Divya Prabhandam, with recitation of Thiruppallandu, in which the Lord is praised as holding the bow, Sarngam [ not Sarangam]. In Janasthanam, in Dhandakaranyam forests, Sri Rama holding His bow and alone, destroyed all the 14,000 rakshasas. Witnessing this unprecedented feat, Sri Sita, the Goddess of auspiciousness, came running and embraced the Lord. Swami Desika in his Raghuveera gathyam [ or Mahaveera vaibhavam] says 'asahaya soora; anapaya sahasa' [असहाय सूरा । अनपाय साहसा।]. In the Kshetram Pullamboothamkudi, the Lord is Sri Dhruda Dhanvi Rama [Tamil-வல் வில் இராமன் ]. It is said that without even shooting arrows from the bow, mere sound of vibration from the bow string could destroy the enemies. In the Panchayudha sthothram, recited after Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam, daily, this aspect is stated. Sri Andal also praises the bow as showering continuous arrows [in the Thiruppavai pasuram 4. ஆழி மழைக் கண்ணா ]

SVS 82 [ Vikramine]

76. OM VIKRAMINE NAMA: ॐ विक्रमिणे नम:
Powerful.

Today's [4th June 2008] lecture is also from Sri Alarmelmangai Thayar sametha Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple in Ayyampettai. It is a parikara kshetram, where people affected by certain deficiencies of some planets [like sevvai dhosham] get relief by worshiping and doing special pooja. By lighting ghee lamps on Thursdays, many of the devotees' desires get fulfilled. Garudothsavam is celebrated on Vaikunta Ekadasi, when thousands of people gather to worship.
Earlier in the Divine name Isa: the Lord's power of His determination was told. Now by this Divine name Vikrami, His power can not be opposed or halted by anyone at anytime. In the last Divine name it was mentioned of the Kamasikashtakam of Swami Desika. If the Lord decided to protect someone, there was none to stop it; if He decided not to protect anyone, none else could protect. In Srimad Ramayanam, Vibheeshana leaves Ravana to surrender and join Sri Rama. Having arrived by sky, Vibheeshana sends word to the monkeys to inform Sri Rama that Ravana's brother Vibheeshana had arrived to surrender. All monkeys are angry that Vibheeshana claiming as brother of evil Ravana had the audacity to come to their camp. Sri Rama held a meeting with all monkey leaders including Sugreeva, the king and Hanuman. After listening to all and taking permission of the king, Sri Rama told of His mind to accept Vibheeshana, against the opinions of all monkeys. Sugreeva was firm in not accepting Vibheeshana and Sri Rama was firm in accepting him. Swami Parasara Bhatta makes an interesting note here. Both Sri Rama and Sugreeva had the same thought and that is why their opinions on Vibheeshana differed. Both wanted to protect those seeking refuge. Sugreeva wanted to protect Sri Rama and Sri Rama wanted to protect Vibheeshna. Sri Rama then told that when He was waiting for Ravana to surrender and ask for pardon, how could He think of deserting Vibheeshana? Also, He told Sugreeva, that none on this Universe, be he a ghost or Rakshasa or anyone else, even if they all joined together could not harm Him and He could destroy them by mere nails of His fingers. Sri Andal also says He destroyed Ravana by nails [ in புள்ளின் வாய் கீண்டானை She says கிள்ளிக் களைந்தானை].

SVS 81

75. OM ISVARAYA NAMA: ॐ ईशवराय नम:
What He decides will not be hindered.


Next sloka is started. We have already seen this Divine name earlier. Great persons never repeat what has been told earlier. But when a repetition occurs, it must mean an important message. Here, Bheeshma repeats to emphasize the One and Only Leader for all and capable of granting Moksham. It also shows the interest and the great importance Bheeshma accorded to this and some other names which appear to be repeated.
Today's [3rd June 2008] lecture is from the temple of Sri Srinivasa in Ayyampettai, near Kanchipuram and Walajabad. It is said that this temple as about 1000 years old. Pooja is performed as per Pancharatra agama.
He is the leader and First among all gods. When our family expands, the authority of us is lessened. But the Lord is called Bahukutumbi as the entire Universe is His family. Our relatives vary with the body in which our souls are residing. But the relation with the Lord and Atma can never cease nor can be broken. In Kamasishtakam, Swami Desika asks if the Lord decides to protect none can stop it and if He decides not to protect, who else can protect?

SVS 80

74. OM MADHUSOODHANAYA NAMA: ॐ मधुसूधनाय नम:
Killer of the demon Madhu. Leader of Nityasuris.

After marrying Sri Sita, Sri Rama is returning to Ayodhya from Mithila. He was encountered by Sri Parashu Rama, as He was always carrying a parashu [axe]. He, with a [false] anger asked whether Sri Rama could bend the bow Sri Parashu Rama was carrying, as the skill Sri Rama showed in breaking the bow in King Janaka's palace was not sufficient, since that Bow had already lost its strength. Sri Rama took the bow from Sri Parashu Rama and with ease tied the string after bending the bow. At that time Sri Parashu Rama told Sri Rama that He was happy to have been defeated in His challenge to Sri Rama, as that was an act to exhibit Sri Rama's prowess to the world. He describes Sri Rama as killer of Madhu. In Mahabharatha, in the 2nd Chapter of Bhagavat Gita, Arjuna calls Sri Krishna more than thrice as Sri Madhusoodhana. He is also the motive force for all Nithyasuris and so He is Madhusudhana. He is to kill the demon Madhu in us; that is to kill the bad thoughts mind tries to have.


Isanapranadhaprana jyeshta sreshta prajapathi:
hiranyagarbho bhugarbha madhava:madhsoodhana: (9)