Friday, August 29, 2008

SVS 140 [Lokadyaksha -135, Suradhyaksha -136, Dharmadyaksha -137] (15.1,15.2, 15.3)

135. OM LOKADYAKSHAYA NAMA: लोकाद्यक्षा नम:
Graces those, who adhere to Dharma.

136. OM SURADHYAKSHAYA NAMA: सुराद्यक्षा नम:
He comprehends Devas, worshiped by such persons.

137. DHARMADYAKSHAYA NAMA: धर्माद्यक्षा नम:
Comprehends Dharma.

Lokadhyaksha = knows all the worlds. Suradyaksha = Knows Devas. Dharmadyaksha = knows all Dharma. These are considered as attributes to Sri Aniruddha, One of the Four Vyuhamurti. We saw earlier that Aniruddha - Usha marriage was celebrated in this -Thiruthangal- Kshetram. It is apt we are studying Divine names attributed to Sri Aniruddha. Here the Garuda is with amrut kalash or nectar pot. Every Thursday he is offered Modhakam [கொழுக் கட்டை]. Lighting lamp with Five wicks is beneficial. Today [29th August 2008] we will see Three Divine names together. Lokadyaksha means He is the Leader for all Worlds. Vedas have been preached by the Lord for the benefit of the people. Loukikam [லௌகிகம் ] is rules and regulations for doing a karma. Vaidhikam [வைதிகம் ] is the capacity to do that karma. Raghuvamsa is a great literary work of Poet Kalidasa. In this he praises the Kings of Raghu dynasty. Emperor Dileep was a great King, Kalidasa says while Dileepa took care of Swarag lok of Indra, Indra took care of Dileepa's Kingdom. It means Dileepa ensured the proper performance of Yagnas to please devas. They in turn ensured proper rains and other climate for the welfare of humans. Like this the Lord has designed Yagnas. He has ordained people to perform Yagna. Noble persons guide in the conduct of Yagnas. The Lord is worshiped by Dharma. When Arjuna was confused between Dharma and Adharma, Sri Krishna preached Gita and showed him the path of Dharma. When Indrajit was to be killed, Lakshman took out an arrow and vowed that if Sri Rama was treading Dharma and if He was Truthful, that arrow should kill the target. These Three names make clear the Lord's care for Dharma.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

SVS 139 [Kavi -134] (14.11)

134. OM KAVAYE NAMA:
Comprehends everything.
thanakalappan" src="http://www.srivaishnavam.com/divyadesam108/trip2007/thankalappan_utsavar.JPG" style="width: 818px; height: 794px;">

We worship Sri Thiruthangal Appan with Sri Senkamalavalli Nachiyar. The temple is with sculptures and paintings and notifies its Divinity. Sri Thayar is in the lower tier while the Lord is on the upper tier. Emperor Maha Bali's grandson was Banasura, whose daughter was the beautiful Usha. She dreamt a very handsome Prince and her freind Chitralekha identified him as Aniruddha, son of Pradhyumna and grand son of Sri Rukmini and Sri Krishna. Chitralekha with her mystic power brought Aniruddha and he remained in Usha's chambers. Knowing this Banasura imprisoned Aniruddha and Sri Krishna waged a war to recover Aniruddha. Defeating Bana, Usha and Aniruddha were happily married. That marriage was celebrated here at the request of Pururavas. Today's [28th August 2008] divine name kavi: means total understanding of things. We have limitations and we sometime think rope as snake, sea shell as silver. But the Lord comprehends everything, including their future. Kavi can predict future, by imagination. Swami Desika says kavi or poet is also a creator of imaginary world. He also sees the reality.

sarvagah sarvavid-bhAnur-viSHvaksenO janArdana: |
vedOvedavid-avyangO vedAngo vedavith kavi: || (14)

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

SVS 138 [ Vedavid -133] ( 14.10)

133. OM VEDAVIDE NAMA: वेदविदे नम:
Makes Dharma Shastras to be followed and accepts them as offerings.



The Lord spreads Dharma in the World and makes others to follow them. We are in Thiruthankal, near Srivilliputhur. It is one of the Divyadesam and Sri Senkamalavalli Thayar is gracing. The Lord is Sri Thiruthankal Appan [திருத் தங்கால் ]. Since Sri Thayar resides here, it is called Thiruthangal. Once there was an argument between Adisesha and Banyan tree in the Swetha islands; as to where the Lord always resides: on Adisesha? or, on the banyan leaf? When they approached lord Brahma to decide, his verdict was in favor of Adisesha. Discouraged, banyan tree meditated and the Lord appeared to ask what Banyan needed. Banyan tree said that the Lord should always rest on it and thus it became a hill here and the Lord resides always.
Shastras indicate the good and bad things in life. Vedas are like a lamp. Great people use lamps to explore in the darkness. But some insects are attracted by light and get perished in the light. Certainly mistake is not of the lamp. It guided the correct persons. Doctor gives medicines and prescribes how to take in doses. If someone thought of immediate cure by taking all in one go, mistake is not of the doctor. The Lord prescribes Dharma to be followed.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

SVS 137 [Vedango- 132] (14.9 )

132. OM VEDANGAYA NAMA: वेदान्गाय नम:
In understanding Him, the Lord has Vedas as organs.

We are in Mannargudi. By the Divine name avyanga, we understood that the Lord has the Vedas with Six organs as His organs. Now, to understand the Lord or to perceive Him, Vedas help, just like our organs help us to perceive things. The Only Paramatman is realized by Vedas; but in doing so, at various places, depending on the context, it mentions various Names. It is like the same person is known to his children as father; to his wife as husband; to his parents as Son; to his subordinates as boss, etc. To understand Vedas we take help of Itihasa, Purana, Alwar's works, etc. Vedanga also means, according to Swami Madwacharya's commentary, having Sri Maha Lakshmi in His body [chest]. Thus this Divine name means He is having Vedas as organs, He can be perceived by Vedas and Sri Maha Lakshmi is in His body.

Monday, August 25, 2008

SVS 136 [Avyango -131] (14.8)

131. OM AVYANGAYA NAMA: अव्यंगा नम:
Without lack of any metres, complete with all the Six organs of Vedas.

Today's [25th August 2008] lecture is form Champakaranya Kshetram or Mannargudi, Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple. Though it is not one of the 108 Divyadesam, it has been visited and praised by Acharyas and great persons. The Lord graces along with Sri Rukmini and Sri Satyabhama. Haridra river is like Yamuna river. There can be none who is not captivated by the beauty of the Lord here. One hand is holding the whip while the other hand is on the shoulder of His consort.


Avyanga is the correct pronunciation when SVS is chanted as namavali. Vedas are infinite and have Six organs [अंग ]. These are necessary to understand Vedas. Like organs or ang of our body or angi, Vedas are understood by these organs. These are Siksha [method of learning], Vyakaranam [ grammar], Chandas [ metres], Niruttham [analysis], Jyotisham[ astrology] and Kalpa. Nammalwar has composed Four compilations and those are like the Four Vedas. They are Thiruviruttham, Thiruvasiriyam, Thiruvandadhi and Thiruvaimozhi. That is why he is called Vedam thamizh seidha maran [வேதம் தமிழ் செய்த மாறன்]. Thirumangai Alwar composed Six compilations - Thirkkurunthandakam, Thirunedunthandakam, Siriya Thirumadal, Periya Thirumadal, Thiruvezhu kootrirukkai and Periya Thirumozhi. These are considered as the Six ang for Nammalwar's Veda.

Friday, August 22, 2008

SVS 135 [Vedavid -130] (14.7)

130. OM VEDAVIDE NAMA: वेदविदे नम:
Understands the true meaning in Vedas.

We will study today's [22nd August 2008] Divine name in Sri Krishna's birth place Mathura and His playing ground of Brindavan. As He ran about in these places, His footprints were seen on the ground, like declaring properties with seal. In Vishnu Puranam, it is declared that the Lord reclining on the serpent in the Milk Ocean, is playing in Mathura. When the Gopis wanted to select a safe place to live, Sri Krishna by His will power, turned the thorny dry Brindavan into lush green place so that cows had plenty to graze and Gopis and Gopikas to live happily. Upanishads are called Aranyakam in Vedas. So, aranyakam [forest] shows the Lord.

Vedavid means thorough understanding of Vedas or the true meaning of Vedas. Vedas came out of Valmiki as Srimad Ramayanam. While the sages in Ramayana were reborn as Gopikas in Sri Krishna Avatar, Vedas took the form of cows. The Lord took the forms of Swan [ Hamsa] and Horse [Sri Hayagriva], to preach Vedas to lord Brahma.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

SVS 134 [ Vedo-129] (14.6)

129. OM VEDHAYA NAMA: ॐ वेदाय नम:
Induces knowledge about Shastras.

Today [21st August 2008], we are at Sri Parthasarathy temple in Thiruvallikeni, also known as Brindaaranyam, in Chennai.



SRI PARTHASARATHY AS VENNAI THAZHI KANNAN

Veda means knowledge. Thirumangai Alwar when singing in praise of the Lord here, describes the Lord as Veda and the taste of Veda [வேதத்தை, வேதத்தின் சுவைப் பயனை ]. Vedas are the breath of the Lord. He is embodiment of Knowledge and induces knowledge in others. As the Chariot Driver of Arjuna, He preached Gita, the essence of Vedas. Shasras say that to get knowledge we should meditate on the conch of the Lord. Sri Parthasarathy is holding the conch in His right hand. Appropriately, Sri Thayar here is Sri Vedavalli.

SVS 133 [Janardhana -128] (14.5)

128. OM JANARDHANAYA NAMA: नार्दनाय नम:
In His Protection of the Universe, He destroys all impediments without any assistance.




THE LORD IN SRI AHOBILA MUTT.

Nathasya Nanda bhavane Navaneedha Natyam -Swami Vedanta Desika in Gopala Vimsati.
Lord Sri Krishna dances for a handful of butter!! Lord Brahma and other gods are waiting to see Him, while for butter He dances in a Gopika's house, to the beats of churning of curd! Today we are in Sri Ahobila Mutt and worshiping the Dolai Kannan. Janardhana means cuts off births. By remembering that the Lord was bound by Gopikas for stealing butter, our bondage in this samsaram would be cut off. He eliminates enemies of His devotees. Lord Sri Rama wanted Samudraraja to appear and help in crossing the ocean to reach Lanka. Since he did not appear even after Three days, Sri Rama was furious and took out His bow and arrows to dry off the ocean. Samudraraja hurriedly surfaced and apologised. Sri Rama pardoned him, but wanted to know where to direct the arrow already mounted on the bow. He indicated Dhrumakunjam islands where the Asuras were harassing Samudraraja. Sri Rama sent the arrows which killed those asuras. He protects anyone surrendering unto Him.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

SVS 132 [ Vishwakseno-127] (14.4)

127. OM VISHWAKSENAYA NAMA: विश्वकसेनाय नम:
Makes everyone to realize He is the Protector.

adharahita charuvamsa nala makutalampi mayura pinccha mala:| harineelashila vibhanga neela prathibha santhu mama anthima prayane || [Gopala Vimsathi]
From now on we will know more about Sri Krishna, Whose birthday celebrations are to be celebrated shortly. Only Sri Krishna's birthday is called Sri Jayanthi, while all other birthdays are named after that particular Avatar, like Sri Nrusimha Jayanthi,etc. Swami Desika says that the Lord should appear in his mind at the last moments of his life. Vishwaksena describes the glory of Sri Aniruddha, one of the Four Vyuha murthy. Here the Lord's one of the Six qualities - Shakti - is indicated. Adi Shankara interprets this Divine name to indicate the Lord's yoga power to drive out enemies. Swami Desika has composed Yadhavabhyudhayam, describing Sri Krishna's History. In that he mentions the marriage of Usha, daughter of Bhanasura, and Aniruddha, son of Pradhyumna and grand son of Sri Krishna and Sri Rukmini. In that, a fight emerges between Sri Krishna and Bhanasura. He compares the running away of people from learning good things to the running of Bhanasura. Vishwaksena also means devotees depend on Him as their life. He is the protector and without Him they would not live. They would not seek others for protection; rather they would perish. Gopikas are like that. Vishwaksena also means the Lord protecting with armies all around. When Swami Parashara Bhatta was asked to give a good advice, he recommended the person to always remember the beach. Not the ones we see regularly; but the beach at Thiruppullani, where the Lord Sri Rama and Lakshmana kept a watch all through night, so that the monkeys in the army were protected from the demons.

Monday, August 18, 2008

SVS 131 [Sarvavidha -125 and Bhanu- 126] ( 14.2 & 14.3)

125. OM SARVAVIDHE NAMA: सर्वविधे नम:
Creator of all destroyed and maintains the Universe.

Sarvavidh means means possessing everything. It means He pervades everything. This is described in the next Divine name bhanu. So today [18th August 2008] we will see both the Divine names together.
126.OM BHANAVE NAMA: भानवे नम:
Though all originate from Him, He is without any blemish.

This recording has been done on Adi Uthradam star, the birthday of Swami Alavandar, who was responsible for the spread of Srivaishnavam through Swami Ramanuja. This sampradhaya establishes that all those who have Acharya's blessings can reach Moksham. Swami Nathamuni, desired this sampradhayam to be passed on to his grandson Swami Alavandar via his disciples, Swami Uyyakondar and Swami Manakkal Nambi. Recognizing that Swami Ramanuja was the person to propagate this Sri Vaishnava sampradhaya, Swami Alavandar prayed Lord Varadaraja at Kanchi to grant Swami Ramanuja.
namOnamO yAmunAya yAmunAya namOnama: namOnamO yAmunAya yAmunAya namOnama:
Normally, bhanu indicates the Sun. The Lord is much brighter than a Million Suns. In Gita the Lord says He grants Sun its brilliance. All luminous objects get their brilliance from Sri Vishnu, says Upanishad. Their luminescence is very dim, before the Lord. Bhanu here means, though the Lord creates the Universe, none of its defects are in Him. We find changes in a woman pregnant; or, even we notice changes in the person after he eats. But the Lord, takes in all, after the Maha Pralayam, yet there is no change in Him. Sri Krishna visited Hasthinapur as the messenger from Pandavas. Duryodhana, not recognizing the Lord's greatness, had ordered that none should get up in respect, as Sri Krishna entered the Royal assembly. When Sri Krishna entered with His hands on the shoulders of Vidhura and Satyaki, Duryodhana found all standing. When questioned, they all told that they had to stand up as the King Duryodhana had got up from the throne and was standing! Duryodhana was attracted by the Brilliance of the Lord that he unconsciously got up from his seat. This is called veeryam, when without bating an eyelid, He causes changes in others.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

SVS 130 [Sarvaga-124] (14.1)

124. OM SARVAGAYA NAMA: सर्वगाय नम:
Protects all those merged after destroying.

Sarvaga means keeping all in Him. During pralayam or the great deluge, the Lord destroys forms and names of everything and they all merge in Him. Now we are able to recognize each separately as stone or cow or man, etc. Before creation all these were not separate and did not have a name. Similarly, when, after pralayam, the Lord takes in all, they do not have form or name. A spider builds web be secreting from it and after the purpose is over, it sucks in the web completely. Like this the Lord creates Universe from Him and after destroying takes all in. This power of taking in everything is sarvagaya. We will see another Divine name sankarshana in due course, it also means taking in all. Lord Balarama is considered as Sankarshana avatar. He could pull river Yamuna's course and once He tried to uproot Hasthinapura. He protects all these so as to create again.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

SVS 129 [Mahatapa-123] (13.9)

123 . [Continued]
We are at the Brindavanam of the 40th Jeer of Sri Ahobhila Mutt. Many mentally retarded persons come here and get their problems solved. Mahatapa indicates that He is the repository of all knowledge and all others get their knowledge from Him only. Great sages by constant meditation on the Lord acquire knowledge. In fact, this Jeer acquired power of mantras like that. With that power he drove away the brahmarakshas in Ahobhilam Kshetram preventing devotees to come to the temple. Because of this act, today we are able to worship Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha in Ahobhilam freely. Swami Nathamuni had written a book yoga rahasyam, but due to our bad luck we have lost it. In the preface, it is said that the Lord has the knowledge to know everything at all times. It is unlimited knowledge. In samsaram our knowledge is greatly shrunk. But when we reach Vaikuntam, with His blessings, we get knowledge about everything.

rudrO bahushirA babhrur vishva yOnih shruchi shravAh amruthah shAshvatha-sTHANur varArOhO mahAthapAh (13)

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

SVS 128 [Mahathapa -123] ( 13.9)

123. OM MAHA THAPASE NAMA: महा तपसे नम:
Possessing immeasurable knowledge.



http://www.ahobilamutt.org/Pictour/40asing.jpg


Thuvariman has a Brindavanam [burial place] of the 40th Jeer of Sri Ahobhila Mutt, Sri Lakshminrusimha paduka sevaka Sri Van satakopa Sri Ranganatha Yatindra Mahadesika [ஸ்ரீ லக்ஷ்மி ந்ருஸிம்ஹ பாதுகா சேவக ஸ்ரீ வண சடகோப ஸ்ரீ ரங்கநாத யதீந்த்ர மஹா தேசிக], popularly known as Sri Karukurichhi Periya Azhagiyasingar [ஸ்ரீ காருக்குறிச்சி பெரிய அழகிய சிங்கர் ]. He was famous for his power of command on mantras. He is credited to have seen Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha and converse with Him. He has meditated on the 32 syllable Sri Narasimha Maha manthram, many times and had the power of that. He had alleviated the problems of many in his life time and now also many are relieved of their problems by visiting this Brindavanam and going round 16 times with mouth chanting his divine name. This Brindavanam is nearly 100 years old. Many light ghee lamps and offer sarkkarai pongal [சர்க்கரைப் பொங்கல் ] on Thursdays. Swami Parashara Bhatta has determined that the Divine names from 1st to 122nd, are about the First Level of the Lord. It is called the Para roopam. We know the Lord exhibits Himself in Five levels, namely:
  1. PARA
  2. VYUHA
  3. VIBHAVA
  4. HARTTHA
  5. ARCHA
In Sri Vaikuntam He is in His Para swaroopam. In Vyuha roopam, He is called Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradhyumna and Aniruddha. From these other forms like Kesava, Narayana, Madhava, Govinda, etc., Twelve forms emanate. In each of the Four Vyuha forms, Two unique qualities are exhibited. Gyana and Shakti in Sankarshana, Balam and Aiswarya in Pradhyumna and Veerya and Tejas in Aniruddha are seen. In Vasudeva all these Six qualities are exhibited. Vibhava forms are all the Lord's various Avatars. Hartha or Antaryami is the Lord's residence in our hearts. Archa is the Lord in various temples. From 123rd Divine name, the Lord's Vyuha roopa is listed.

Monday, August 11, 2008

SVS 127[ Vararoho-122]( 13.8)

122. OM VARAROHAYA NAMA: वरारोहाया नम:
Since His devotees do not return after reaching Him, He grants them the most exquisite experience.

Sudarsana maha jwala koti soorya sama prabha| Agyanandhasya me deva vishnor margam pradharsaya||
Sudarsana has the brilliance of Millions of Suns. We pray Sudarsana to remove our ignorance and lead us to the Lord. We can worship Sudarsana in the Sri Ranganatha temple at Thuvariman [துவரிமான்]. Here special pooja are performed on Saturdays for Sri Sudarsana and on Thursdays for Sri Hayagreeva. Vararoha means granting the most exalted position. Child Dhruva wanted to sit on the lap of his father, king Uthanapada, just like his step brother was sitting. When he tried to sit he was pushed down and ridiculed, by his step mother Suruchi. When he complained to his mother Sunithi, he was guided to perform Bhakti to the Lord to get what he desired. That is what a mother should teach her child. With determination the child goes to forest to perform Tapas. On the way sage Narada, taught him the Dwadasa Akshara mantra. When he performed tapas, the Lord appeared and the child did not know what to say. The Lord touched his right cheek with His conch and devotional verses flowed like stream from the child's mouth. The Lord gave him the special position of Dhruva sthanam.
Chanting this Divine name as mantra will beget excellent positions and placements.

Friday, August 8, 2008

SVS 126 [ Sasvatahsthanu- 121] (13.7)

121 OM SASWATHASTHANAVE NAMA:
Ever eternal and always with devotees.

We are in Thuvariman agraharam. It is still maintaining its antiquity. In the river Krithamala, the Lord appeared as Sri Matsya Murthy to Pandya King Satyavratha, and that is why Pandya's emblem is fish. The nectar of heavens can never prevent death, but might increase life by some or many years, But the Amrut, the Lord can give us eternal living in Vaikuntam. When Devas desired to have amrut, the Lord helped them in many ways: as the mount Meru, as serpent Vasugi, by supporting the mount from below by हिस Sri Koorma Avatara, by His invisible multiple hands in churning, by supporting the mount from falling down, etc. But the Devas never recognised Him. After the amrut was taken He took the beautiful woman form -Sri Mohini-, then also they never worshiped. Swami Parashara Bhattar says Devas were after the cheap amrut, which never guaranteed eternity and lost the real Amrut, the Lord. The Garuda in this temple is called Amruta kalasa hastha Garuda. Garuda is the embodiment of Vedas and in his hands is the Amrut, the lord. Vedas have the Lord in them.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

SVS 125 [Amrutha-120] ( 13.6)

120. OM AMRUTHAYA NAMA: ॐ अम्रुताय नम:
For the devotees, He is ever fresh Nectar.

We are in Thuvariman village, near Madurai on the route to Dindugal. Here, as a rare sight the Lord Ranganatha is in standing pose, with Sri Sridevi and Sri Bhudevi. Like Srirangam, this place is between two rivers Kritamala and Vaigai. Temple is 600 years old. The nectar of heavens could be poison if taken too much. But the Lord as Amrut or nectar, will never be stale even if worshiped any number times. Apari amrut means unlimited nectar. One is not satisfied with a single darshan. Gopikas cry that because they were humans they had to wink their eyes, which means they lose His darshan for that time! Alwar wants to worship the Lord like the heavenly persons who do not wink their eyes. Chanting His names we find sweetness in our mouth. So He is Aravamudhan. Parikshit preferred to listen to the amrut of the stories of the Lord, to the nectar, capable of extending life.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

SVS 124 [ Sruchisrava -119] ( 13,5)

119. OM SRUCHISRAVASE NAMA: शरूचिश्रवसे नम:
Listens to devotees' praise and plight.

The Lord listens to the uttering of His devotees. Bhishma is lying on the bed of arrows. Yudhishtra had disturbed mind after the war. Vyasa's preachings or even Sri Krishna's advice could not console him; and so, Sri Krishna takes him to Bhishma. Bhishma answered many questions of Yudhishtra. Finally, when Yudhishtra wanted Bhishma to tell him the Most Supreme Dharma of worshiping Whom, will Yudhishtra get redeemed, Bhishma speaks out Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam, by pointing to Sri Krishna seated nearby. At that time the Lord listened to Bhishma's uttering. Sri Krishna undertook as messenger of Pandavas and visited Hasthinapur to talk to Duryodhana and explore possibility for averting the war. All - like Bhishma, Drona, Kripacharya- were waiting for Sri Krishna. Discarding all, He went to Vidhura's hut. Because Vidhura was a true devotee. He ate with interest at Vidhura's place. Vidhura offered only the porridge [கஞ்சி] he took. When that was poured on the leaf, it started flowing and the Lord had to use more than 8 arms to stop the flows outside the leaf. It was a rare sight for Vidhura. He listened to Vidhura through out the night. So, He is sruchisrava. Valmiki deputed his disciples Lava and Kucha, sons of Sri Rama to do the first rendering [அரங்கேற்றம்] of Srimad Ramayanam, in the Assembly of Sri Rama in Ayodhya, where Sri Rama was performing Ashwamedha yagna. Everyone is mesmerized and the Lord without the notice of anyone, descends from the throne and sits among the common people to listen to Valmiki Ramayana, which actually praises the greatness of Sri Sita. He resides wherever His name is chanted.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

SVS 123 [Viswayoni - 118] (13.4 )

118. OM VISWAYONAYE NAMA: विश्वयोनये नम:
Integrates with Himself, those surrendered.

The Lord takes with Him all those who want to be with Him. By this program our objective is to propagate our Dharma and culture. Sri Krishna says that Vedas and other Dharma shastras are all His creations and He likes those who follow them; and hates those against these. So let us follow the disciplines promulgated for our own benefits to the extent possible. The Lord embraces with Him all those who surrender to Him. In Gokulam, the Gopikas wanted to be with Sri Krishna; but the males, not knowing the greatness of the Lord, prevented them. Sri Krishna, however plays His flute and attracts all the Gopikas, by His divine music. Mesmerizing all, the Gopikas assemble at Sri Krishna. When Bhishma was lying on the bed of arrows, knowing his urge to see the Lord, did not Sri Krishna go to him? The Lord sees only our heartfelt Bhakti.

Monday, August 4, 2008

SVS 122 [ Bahusiras and Babhrave - 116& 117 ] (13.2 and 13.3)

116. OM BAHUSIRASE NAMA: बहुशिरसे नम:
As Adisesha with multiple heads.
117. OM BABHRAVE NAMA: भ्रूवे नम:
Supporting the Universe as Adisesha.

Today [4th August 2008] is the Thirunakshatram [birth day] of Sri Andal. By celebrating थिस and attending celebrations, we can inculcate our sampradhayam and culture in our children. Following our ancestral practices will benefit us.
Bahusira means multiple heads, applicable to the Lord and also to Adisesha, the serpent. Purusha sooktam describes the Lord as sahasra seerusha [thousand headed]. Here Thousand is to indicate the multiplicity and not mere number. We can therefore, worship the Lord as the Thousand hooded Adisesha. He supports this Universe as Adisesha. Adisesha means first among all jeevatma. Actually, his name is Anantha. Sri Andal, though born much earlier, is considered as the younger sister of Swami Ramanuja. Because Swami Ramanuja fulfilled the desire of Sri Andal expressed in Her Nachiyar Thirumozhi, and so when he visited Srivilliputhur, he was addressed as Anna [ அண்ணா][elder brother] by Sri Andal. So we say பெரும்புதூர் மா முனிக்கு பின்னானாள் வாழியே! Swami Ramanuja is considered as the avatar of Adisesha. So, by his philosophy he is supporting this Universe. Sri Andal is considered as the incarnation of Sri Bhoomadevi.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

SVS 121 [Rudhro -115] ( 13.1)

115. OM RUDRAYA NAMA: रुद्राय नम:
Stimulates gleeful tears in the devotees.

Today's [1st August 2008] lecture is from Amma Mandapam in Sri Rangam. The Lord Sri Ranganatha arrives here every year on Padhinettam Perukku [பதினெட்டாம் பேருக்கு] on 18th day of Aadi month. It is the Day when the Lord offers presents to Mother Kaveri. Swami Parashara Bhattar says that rudra: does not mean he who cries, but He who makes others to cry [in happiness]. Tears are uncontrolled for the devotees of Sri Ranganatha, when they worship Him. The Lord makes them to cry in happiness by His benign qualities and by His enchanting beauty. It is called anada bhashpam [आनंद भाष्पम] [ஆனந்தக் கண்ணீர்]. It is said that the tears in sorrow would be warm, while tears in happiness would be cool. Similarly, tears flow from the eyes of the Lord also when He sees His devotees. When Kuchela came to see the Lord in Dwaraka, tears appeared in Sri Krishna's eyes, as He was meeting His classmate after so many years. Nammalwar, in the guise of the lover girl of the Lord says in the pasuram on Srirangam, kangulum pagalum [கங்குலும் பகலும்]: 'she' waded through the tear water on the floor [கண்ண நீர் கைகளால் இறைக்கும்].