Tuesday, March 31, 2009

SVS 288 [Durdharo - 267] (29.2)

267. OM DURDHARAYA NAMA: दुर्धराय नम:
He can not be borne in heart by weak minded.

Hanuman admires at the strong shoulders of Sri Rama, in the Divine name subhuja. When Sri Rama departed to the forest, minister Sumantra accompanied Him upto river Ganges. Sri Rama applied the resin of banyan tree to his hair, so that they would remain in tact! Unable to bear this sight, Sumantra asked Dasarata on return as to why he gave Sumantra this punishment of seeing Sri Rama entering forests. On hearing this, Dasarata's soul departed!

Monday, March 30, 2009

SVS 287 [Subhujo - 266] (29.1)

266. OM SUBHUJAYA NAMA: सुभुजाय नम:
Has broad shoulders to take the responsibilities of those surrendered.

We are at Bittur, Valmiki's Ashram. The Lion Valmiki roars Sri Rama and drives away all evils. When once he could not take bath in Ganges, he was about to bathe in nearby Thamasa river, he saw a hunter killing the male of a bird couple and reprimanded the hunter for this inhuman act. But, that reprimand became the mangala sloka for the start of Srimad Ramayana! Here, once Sri Sita's children Lav and Kush, reigned in the sacrificial horse sent by emperor Sri Rama. This provoked Hanuman to fight with Lav and Kush, to get back the horse. While both the fighting parties did not know the antecedents of each other, Lav and Kush, could bind Hanuman to a tree! We are shown that tree here. All these show that the Lord takes enormous efforts to protect His devotees. Unfortunately, we do not keep these sacred rivers clean. Sri Rama is famous for His magnificent shoulders and arms. Sri Sita used His shoulders as pillows! With such shoulders to protect, Sri Sita was never scared of the wild animals in the forests!

Friday, March 27, 2009

SVS 286 [Srutisagara: - 265] (28.8)

265. OM SRUTISAGARAYA NAMA: श्रुतिसागराय नम:
Like Ocean to rivers, He is to Vedas.

We are at Bittur, on the banks of Ganges, where Valmiki had his Ashram. Sri Sita delivered Lava and Kusha. Srutisagara means the destination of Vedas. Vedas are like ocean; but if we compare them to a river, then the Lord is like Ocean for that river! Like the Lord, Vedas are eternal. If Vedas are theory, Ramayana is practical! Prachetas [प्रचेतस] is Varuna, and so Valmiki, his son is Praachetas [प्राचेतस]. Sri Rama, the Hero of Ramayana, is embodiment of Vedas!


vrSHAhee vrSHabhO viSHNur-vrSHaparva vrSHOdarah | vardhanO vardhamanascha vivikthah shruthisAgarah || (28)

Thursday, March 26, 2009

SVS 285 [Vivikta: - 264] (28.7)

264. OM VIVIKTAYA NAMA: ॐ विविक्ताय नम:

Possesses unique historical background.


We are back to Nagamangala, on the Mangalore highway, in Karnataka. Swami Ramanuja had installed a tall Vijayasthamba in this temple. The Lord Sri Kesava is gracing. On Ugadi [Telugu New Year day] [this year it is on 27th March 2009], Sun's rays fall at His feet and it is feature to be seen. Vivikta means different. The Lord is Unique and different from all others. He is Sreeapathi [Consort of Sri Mahalakshmi] and Jagatpathi [Leader of Universe]. Others can never have these. He Himself does not know His glory!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

SVS 284 [Vardhamana: - 263] (28.6)

263. OM VARDHAMANAYA NAMA: ॐ वर्धमानाय नम:
Grows happier, as devotees grow happy.

Sri Jalanarayana is in Katmandu, in a pond, attracting everyone, with splendour. Similar idol is in the Palace also. The Lord is happy at the devotion of the Devotees and blesses them. With His blessings, the Devotees are happier; and, the Lord seeing them happier, is much more happier! This happiness is much more than parents' happiness on their children's happiness! Sri Rama was happy when His subjects were happier.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

SVS 283 [Vardhano - 262] (28.5)

262. OM VARDHANAYA NAMA: वर्धनाय नम:
Devotees are further developed.

We can see huge idol of Lord Sri Narayana, reclining on Adisesha, as Sri Jala Narayana in Kathmandu. The Lord remaining in water protects our health. In a satire, this compared to old cooked rice in water for good health [பழையது]! In this divine name vardhana, the Lord acts to improve and increase our bhakti! In Gita sloka 'ananyaschintayanto mam', the Lord says that a thought unadulterated in Him, will mean yoga kshemam for us.

Monday, March 23, 2009

SVS 282 [Vrushodhara - 261] (28.4)

Due to cable cut, there was no transmission and it got restored only at 1300 hours. Today's [23rd March 2009] could not be listened to and regret for any inconvenience.

261. OM VRUSHODARAYA NAMA: वृशोदराया नम:
Protects all in His stomach.
[inferred from subsequent lectures!]

Friday, March 20, 2009

SVS 281 [Vrushaparva - 260] (28.3)

260. OM VRUSHAPARVANE NAMA: व्रुशपर्वणे नम:
Makes varnasrama dharma as steps to reach Him.

In Salagrama Kshetra sage Jatabharata attained Mukti. He was great yogi and performed duties as ordained by the Lord in Varnasrama Dharma. That is performing duties assigned to anyone, in Shastras. Sandyavandanam and Bhagavad Aradanam, should be performed by those assigned to do. Jatabharata's story is told in Srimad Bhagavatam and in Vishnu Puranam. While doing meditation, he rescued a fawn and slowly got attached to it. When he died, his mind was full of fawn and so was born as the young one of Deer. Later, he was born as a human and realizing his mistake in earlier birth, kept totally detached and remained like a jatam [inert]. Later, when he was used by King Rahuguna, to carry his palanquin, King realized Jatabharata's greatness and learnt philosophy.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

SVS 280

Today it was a repeat of SVS 254.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

SVS 279 [Vishnu: - 259] (28.3)

259. OM VISHNAVE NAMA: विष्णवे नम:
Never departs such persons, graced by Him.

It is better to visit Sri Muktinath, before we become too old to undertake arduous journey. This Divine name was mentioned in SVS 9 earlier; later, after another 600 Divine names, Vishnu is going to be repeated! Thus He is pervading everywhere! `Vishu means all pervading and this Divine name occurs in Mantrarajan also. Salagrama is a fossil, and is the resident of the Lord. Sri Vishnu aradanam is the most superior.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

SVS 278 [Vrushabho - 258] (28.2)

258. OM VRUSHABHAYA NAMA: वृषभाय नम:
Showers Amruta like blessings on the devotees, who seek Him, after undergoing the sufferings caused by samsaram.

Salagrama Kshetram is in Annapoorna Hills range, in Nepal. Worshiping salagrama is very simple and needs only relations with an Acharya. It is always sacred, while Archa [idols] are to be sanctified by religious rites. People suffer in samsara tapa traya. Sri Andal prays in Anganma gyalam pasuram, to glance Her so that Her curses would be eliminated.

Monday, March 16, 2009

SVS 277 [Vrushahi -257] (28.1)

257. OM VRUSHAHINE NAMA: वृषाहिणे नम:
The First day of Bhakti to Him is the seed for all auspiciousness, it is a very special day!

We are at Sri Muktinath also known as Sri Salagramam.
class="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/58494689.jomsomtrek.jpg" alt="Location of class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" />Salagramam" width="160" border="0" height="97">class="thumbnail" src="http://i.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59179541.GandakinearJomsom.jpg" alt="class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" />Gandaki-near-Jomsom (21km away from muktinath)" width="160" border="0" height="120">the long trekkingclass="thumbnail" src="http://ct5.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59179542.GandakinearKagbeni.jpg" alt="class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" />Gandaki river near Kagbeni town (10km away from muktinath)" width="120" border="0" height="160">
class="thumbnail" src="http://i.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59305301.almostreachedmuktinath.jpg" alt="almost reached class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" />muktinath.jpg" width="120" border="0" height="160">Start climbing the steps leading to the templeclass="thumbnail" src="http://thump01.pbase.com/t1/95/360595/4/59305299.Salagramamsfoundonriverbed2.jpg" alt="darsanam of Mukti Narayana with Sridevi, Bhu devi" width="160" border="0" height="105">

It is in Nepal and reaching it, is difficult, in spite of modern facilities. But one need not feel despair. If we worship the Salagrama in our house, it is as good as visiting Sri Salagramam. There is no use in visiting Kshetrams, if we do not worship our house hold Salagrama. This place has been visited by Swami Ramanuja, Thirumangai Alwar, Swami Vedanta Desika and others. River Kantaki flows here. Vrushahi suggests that the day has dawned to realize Him, after wasting time in many births.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

SVS 270 [Siddhi sadhana: - 256] (27.9)

256. OM SIDDHI SADHANAYA NAMA: ॐ सिद्धि साधनाय नम:
He makes devotion to Him, is as pleasant as He is.

The Lord is full of the Six qualities [that make Him, Bhagavan] and can grant the Eight siddhis. He can also grant the ever blissful Vaikuntam. But that happiness after one's death. Till then? In this Divine name, it is suggested that by mere chanting His names and Bhakti, the same bliss is realized! It is like a bachelor counting the days for marriage and living happily on the thoughts of the marriage to take place! A Bhakta remains happily for the union with the Lord in Vaikuntam. In nama sankeertanam, Bahkti is essential.

asanKHyeyO - aprameyAthmA vishiSHtah shiSHtakrth shuchih | siddhArTHah siddha-sankalpah siddhi-dah siddhi-sAdhanah ||

Friday, March 13, 2009

SVS 269 [Siddhida - 255] (27.8)

255. OM SIDDHIDAYA NAMA: सिद्धिदाय नम:
Blesses siddhi to those desiring it.

Siddhida means, grants enormous results, to those who worship Him. There are eight great siddhia [accomplishments] like anima, mahima, etc. Hanuman, with His blessings, was able to make himself very small to be invisible at Lanka! This is anima siddhi! This type of siddhi should not be used for selfishness. Also these siddhis will never get Moksham. Hanuman was able to fly in air by making him very light [lagima siddhi]. In Mahabharata, when Bhima met his brother Hanuman and thought he was merely a monkey, Bhima could not even lift Hanuman's tail. Hanuman exhibited the balima siddhi!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

SVS 268 [Siddhisankalpa: - 253] (27.7)

253. OM SIDDHA SANKALPAYA NAMA: सिद्ध संकल्पाय नम:
Possesses skill to accomplish whatever is desired.

Siddha sankalpa means the Lord can accomplish whatever He thinks at the time He desired and in the way He wanted. His determination or sankalpa can never be changed. Today's [11th March 2009] is from Mukundagiri [near Madurantakam], the native village of the lecturer. Temple here is in great shambles. It is requested all to help in renovation and restoration of this temple, with Lord Sri Srinivasa. Ravana is told by Hanuman, that the Lord if He decided, Ravana would not be able to defend himself even with the help of Brahma, Shiva, or anyone or together. Sri Rama had promised Devas that He would finish off Ravana, and so even His coronation did not take place as planned by Dasaratha.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

SVS 267 [Siddhartha - 253] (27.6)

253. OM SIDDHARTHAYA NAMA: सिद्धार्थाय नम:
Everything is automatically accomplished.

Shuchi showed His purity and sacredness. He is the Lord of all auspiciousness. He has no blemishes. He is so magnanimous to ignore all our blemishes and treat even a small good quality as very big and bless us. He has to accomplish nothing and so does not expect anything from us, while we need everything from Him! Swami Koorattalwan wonders, why such accomplished Person as He, should steal butter and curd in Gokulam!

Monday, March 9, 2009

SVS 266 [Shucha: - 252] (27.5)

252. OM SHUCHAYE NAMA: ॐ शुचये नम:
Embodiment of purity.

Swami Prasara Bhatta has combined Shishtakrut and Shuchi, into a single Divine name also. Shuchi means the Lord is Embodiment of purity. It also means sacred. He converts His devotees like Him. By worshiping and surrendering to Him, He ensures we enjoy everything in Vaikuntam. In Bairagi Sri Prasaanna Venkatesa Perumal temple special features can be seen. Just like in Tirumala, Brahmotsavam is celebrated in Purattasi month, here also. Similarly, in Karthigai month festivals are celebrated for Sri Thayar. But unlike in Tirumala, Sri Thayar is taken on procession on Garudi [female of Garuda] and Hanumanthi [female of Hanumantha] vahanams! Ahalya in spite of the greatest sin, a woman could ever earn, got purified by the Divine feet of Lord Sri Rama, and she is counted among the Five most chaste women [Ahalya, Draupati, Sri Sita, Tara and Mandodari].

Thursday, March 5, 2009

SVS 265 [Sishtakruth - 251] (27.4)

251. OM SISHTAKRUTE NAMA: शिष्टकृते नम:
Refines devotees to have good character and do good actions.

The Lord ensures His devotees raise to sublime level in all respects. We can worship Sri Puri Jagannathan in Bairagi Mutt temple in Chennai. It is to be noted that once a person becomes His devotee, He will exhibit superior qualities only. Kulasekara Alwar was very firm that His devotees would never resort to bad actions like stealing. When, once, others alleged that devotees had stolen a valuable necklace, Kulasekara Alwar not only believed but to prove the innocence of the devotees, he put his hand in a pot with poisonous snake. Since the snake did not bite him, he proved that the devotees were pure.

SVS 264 [Visishta - 250] (27.3)

250. OM VISHISHTAYA NAMA: विशिष्टाय नम:
Has special skill.


The Bairagi, provided staying amenities for those on pilgrimage to Tirumala. Later, he thought, why not construct a Sri Venkatesa temple in Chennai itself so that pilgrims need not have the ordeal of going to Tirumala. To construct he needed money, which he earned by his alchemy [rasavada] skill, by which he converted copper like metals into gold. Though this is not good practice, he did it for very noble cause. Visishta means different. Swami Ramanuja differed from Shankara's advaita and gave the name Visishta-advaita, for his philosophy. Chetanam [atma having Gyana] and achetanam [opposite of chetanam] are bodies of Paramatma [God].

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

SVS 263 [Aprameyatma - 249] (27.2)

249. OM APRAMEYATMANE NAMA: अप्रमेयात्मने नम:
Pervades in and out, of all countless objects.


The Lord was praised as having countless forms and qualities in Asankhyeya. In this Divine name aprameyatma, the Lord possesses numerous properties, living beings, non-living matters, and pervades all of them inside and outside. Today's [4th March 2009] lecture is from Bhairagi Mutt Sri Venkatesa Perumal temple in Sowcarpet, Madras. It is 600 years old, built by Lalba, a bairagi from North India. Earlier we had seen Divine name Aprameya [SVS 52]. The Lord is recognized by His very beautiful eyes. Hiranyakasipu suffered because he questioned the all pervasiveness of the Lord.
On March 8th, Sunday, at 4 PM, a padayatra, with singing His names, is being arranged from Sri Parthasarathy temple, Triplicane to Sri Srinivasa [Swami Vedanta Desika]/Sri Kesava Perumal temples, Mylapore.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

SVS 262 [Asankhyeyo - 248] (27.1)

248. OM ASANKHYEYAYA NAMA: असंख्येयाय नम:
Possesses countless living beings and non-living matter.

Every other Divine name could be justified to other gods; but the Divine name Narayana can never be attributed to others, and only Sri Vishnu can justify that Divine name. Alwar says that Sriman Narayana is the Ultimate God. The Lord possesses countless properties, auspicious qualities, etc. Even sand particles in a beach could be counted, but never the Lord's properties or His auspicious qualities.

Monday, March 2, 2009

SVS 261 [Nara: - 247] (26.10)

247. OM NARAYA NAMA: नराय नम:
Protector of all accumulated living beings and non-living matter.

Swami Parasara Bhatta has grouped the Divine names in SVS into 44 categories and calls each category as a petal of a lotus flower. We have to imagine a lotus flower with 44 petals. From the Divine name Narayana starts another group or another petal in this lotus flower. Nara: normally means man; but here it denotes the Lord. We are in Badri nath, where the Lord is called Sri Badri Narayana. Badari is a berry [ilandai pazham இலந்தைப் பழம்]. Badarayana aka as Vysa and Uddhava have meditated here.
http://shrimuktipath.org/images/gallery/badrinath.htmhttp://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/pocketmaps/road_maps/delhi-badrinath.htmhttp://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/India/North/Uttaranchal/Badrinath/photo259263.htm

Here the Lord appears as Sri Narayana [the Guru] and Sri Nara [ the disciple].
Devaprayag" src="http://www.vanamaliashram.org/devaprayag.jpg" style="width: 548px; height: 389px;">

Badri" src="http://www.vanamaliashram.org/Badrinath33.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 330px;">

suprAsadah prasannAthmA vishvasrk vishvabhuk vibhuh | sathkarthA sathkrthah-sAdhur janhur nArAyaNO narah ||
(26)

Sunday, March 1, 2009

SVS 260 [Narayano - 246] (26.9)

246. OM NARAYANAYA NAMA:
Source and support for all everlasting entities.


Today's [27th February 2009] lecture is from Melkote, Karnataka. In SVS, this is the only place where the Divine name Narayana is mentioned. It is apt that this Divine name is being studied in Thirunarayanapuram! Sri Sampath Kumara or Sri Selvapillai is the darling of Swami Ramanuja! Sri Mahalakshmi has to recommend our surrender for the Lord to accept. Here, Sri Thayar is just at the feet of the Lord, to recommend.

SVS 259 [Jahnur -245] (26.8)

245. OM JANHAVE NAMA: जह्नवे नम:
Hides from those having no Bhakti.

In Karnataka Five Narayana temples are famous - Melkote Sri Sampath Narayana, Thondanur Sri Lakshmi Narayana or Sri Nambi Narayana, Gundulpet Sri Vinaya Vijaya Narayana, Talakkad Sri Keerti Narayana and Belur Sri Vijaya Kesava Narayana. Melkote is considered as the Capital for Swami Ramanuja! Melkote is Yadavagiri or Yadugiri on the banks of Kalyanai Pushkarini. This is one of the Four Kshetrams [Srirangam, Tirumalai, Kanchi and Yadugiri] we daily worship during prayer. Janhu [though written as jahnu, it is pronounced as janhu] means the Lord is invisible to atheists and enemies. In Mahabharata, Sri Krishna discarded all those opposed to Pandavas and went to Vidhura. He was offered mere porridge. As it was poured into the eating leaf, the porridge started flowing out. The Lord tried to stop it by lifting one side of the leaf, but in vain, Then He used both hands, again in vain, Then He used Four, then Six and finally Ten hands to fold the leaf as a cup and drank! Vidura was pleased and worshiped this rare appearance. In Swami Ramanuja's history also, the Sri Utsavar Sri Chellapillai, showed Himself to Swami Ramanuja in Delhi Badshah's palace!