Guest guest Report post Posted January 10, 2002 SrimatE Raamaanujaaya Namaha // SrimatE Nigamaanta Mahaa Desikaaya Namaha // SrIman! SrI Ranga Sriyam anubadravam anudhinam Samvardhaya/ SrIman! SrI Ranga Sriyam anubadravam anudhinam Samvardhaya// KAvEri VardhathAm kAlE, kAlE varshathu vAsava: / SrI RanganAthO jayathu Sri Ranga Sri cha VardhathAm// ================================================================ SRI RANGA SRI VOL 03/ ISSUE 12dated 10th January 2002 =============================================================== IN THIS ISSUE: 1. “TIRUVENKATAMUDAIYANUM AZHWAARGAL ANUBHAVAMUM”- PART 7: TIRUVOIMOZHI PAASURANGAL – (1) Excerpts from talk delivered by Anbil Ramaswamy during the Tirunakshatram Mahotsavam of Tiruvenkatamudaiyan and Swami Vedanta Desikan celebrated jointly by “Swami Desika Darsana Satsangam”, “Sri Ramanuja Mission” and the Hindu Cultural Society (HCS), Buffalo, New York on 29th September 2001. This also marked the 5th Anniversary of “Swami Desika Darsana Satsangam and the 1st Anniversary of “Sri Ranga Sri” Electronic journal. 2. “DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA- VAAMANA AVATAARAM (The Dwarf) – Anbil Ramaswamy 3. SRI RANGA VIJAYAM – PART 28 – “THE 2nd ENCLOSURE” >From "Sri Ranga Vijayam" by Purisai Sri Krishnamachariar Swami, Editor, "Nrisimhapriya" (translation in English: Anbil Ramaswamy) 4. "LEARN OUR TRADITION THE EASY WAY"- SAMPRADAYA LESSONS FOR KIDS GRADE 2 LESSON 15: “SWAMI DESIKA’S STOTRAS” (Contd) (Written in Tamil by Desika Bhakta Ratnam, U. Ve. Seva Srinivasa Raghava chariar Swami under his "Jayamangala Paada Thittam" and translated in English by Sri M.K.Srinivasan Swami of Vedanta Desika Research Center - FOR YOUR INFORMATION; The issues have been archived for public view at- IF you are satisfied with the quality and contents of “Sri Ranga Sri”: Tell your friends to join by sending an email to - "-Subscribe (AT) (DOT) com" IF not: Tell us, as to how we may improve. Dasoham Anbil Ramaswamy, Editor & Publisher, “Sri Ranga Sri” ====================================================================== 1. “TIRUVENKATAMUDAIYANUM AZHWAARGAL ANUBHAVAMUM”- PART 7: TIRUVOIMOZHI PAASURANGAL (1) Excerpts from talk delivered by Anbil Ramaswamy during the Tirunakshatram Mahotsavam of Tiruvenkatamudaiyan and Swami Vedanta Desikan celebrated jointly by “Swami Desika Darsana Satsangam”, “Sri Ramanuja Mission” and the Hindu Cultural Society (HCS), Buffalo, New York on 29th September 2001. ------ Nammazhwar’s 4 works are considered to be the essence of the 4 Vedas. Of these, Tiruvoimozhi takes the pride of place as the essence of SaamaVedam.They convey not only the emotional and sentimental outpourings of the Azhwar but also contain deep inner esoteric meanings of the eternal truths (tattvas) central to Srivaishnavam. While all the verses are gems leaving no scope for choosing one over the other, we are compelled to limit ourselves to the enjoyment of only a few of these Paasurams dedicated to TiruvEnkaTam. ------------ (i) ozhivil kaalamellaam uDanaai manni vazhuvilaa aDimai seyya vENDum naam Thezhi kural aruvi TiruvEnkaTathu ezhil koL sOthi enthai tahnthai thanthaikkE 3.3.1 MEANING: “ We should go, stay close to the Lord at TiruvEnkaTam and render faultless service incessantly and forever. The Lord whose place is beautified with clear waterfalls, the Lord who shines with incomparable effulgence, the Lord who is the primordial father for our countless generations before and hereafter” COMMENTS: This verse is the very life - breath of Srivaishnava Sampradaya. The Azhwar desires that he should render Vazhuvillaa Adimai (faultless service) without interruption (Ozhivil) forever (Kalam ellaam) being always with the Lord (Udanaai Manni). He desires to do service like what Lakshmana did in the forest and what Bharata did in Ayodhya. Kaalam Ellaam might mean including the past. How is it possible to do service retrospectively? The implication is that the service done from now on should be so intense and so dedicated as to make up for the opportunity lost in the past. How can Lakshmana be cited as role model of Kaalamellam, Udanaai Manni and Vazhuvilaa Adimai etc? He did fail on every count. Let us see how: First, he did not stay with Rama when Rama went after the mysterious stag. Hence, he failed in keeping CONSTANT Company that he promised viz. Sarva desa, Sarva Kaala, Sarva Avasta etc. Even when Rama and Sita were together privately, Lakshmana stood outside possibly to avoid embarrassment to the couple enjoying each other's company. In an imaginary dialogue, Acharyas used to say, that Lakshmana asked the Azhwar what he would have done in the circumstances. Azhwar replied that he would not leave the place but convert himself into a lamp (Kutthu ViLakku) or a stepping stone (PaDik kal) or some such inanimate object and would have stayed put there itself and thus avoided embarrassment. Second, He did not render ' Vazhuvillaa ' faultless service because when Rama had specifically asked him to stay and guard Sri Sita, he left her when she uttered some harsh words. This indeed was “Dharma sankaTam “ (dilemma) for Lakshmana but it is undeniable that he transgressed the specific orders of Rama and his own promise " Aham Sravam Karishyaami". The Azhwar is said to have replied that in this event, being a Nityasuri especially the one who is reputed to be “Senraal KuDaiyaam, irundhaal Simhaasanamaam, ninraal maravaDiyaam” etc., he would have split his personality one to guard Sita and the other to accompany Rama. All this may look like poetical fancy and imagination running riot, but the beauty of the imagination cannot go un-admired. Vazhuvillaaa also means devoid of Ahamkara, Mamakara, and Craving for name or fame, sense of competition or jealousy, Sva-boghyatha attitude (i.e.) Sense of self- gratification Vide SRI VACHANA BUSHANAM. Well. That was in TrEtaa Yuga. What about Kali Yuga when the Azhwar lived? Precisely for giving an opportunity for devotees like Azhwar that the Lord had come all the way down to the earth in Tiru VEnkaTam. The service one expects to do in SrivaikuNTam can be done HERE AND NOW and the Lord would in His Soulabhyam be prepared to accept it. Ezhil KoLL Jothi: His Soundaryam Also, it means the one who shines in the company of Piraatti. Ezhil= Piraatti (Mahalakshmi). Also means the light atop the mountain. Enthai: Swami, Seshi ThanthaiKKE: The emphasis on KE denotes 'AKAARAARTHA EVA' (i.e.) for the sake of the Lord ONLY, the focal emphasis of Tirumantram, viz. The “Sesha- Seshi bhaavam” It would appear that AZWWAR TIRUVARANGA PERUMAL ARAIYAR while reciting this verse was so overwhelmed by emotion that he would go on repeating Ozhivil Kaalam ellaam, Kaa lam ellaam, Kaalam ellaam for long without proceeding further. Swami Desikan concludes the “Nigamana Adhikara” of his “Srimad Rahasya Traya Saram” quoting this verse " Sarveswaran Thaalinaik Keezh Ozhivil Kaalam Ellaam Udanaai Manni Vazhuvillaa Adimai Seyya Vendum Naam Enra manOrathathin PaDiye Sarva Desa, Sarva Kaala, Sarva Avasthochita, Sarva Vidha Kainkaryankalaiyum Petru Vaazhvaarkal " (ii) sonnaal virOdham idhu aagilum solluvEn! kENminO! yen naavil in kavi yaan oruvarkkum koDukkilEn thennaa thenaa enru vaNDu mural TiruvEnkaTathu ennaanai ennappan em perumaan uLan aagavE 3.9.1 MEANING: " Friends! Poets! Countrymen! Lend me your ears” Azhwar seems to say. “You might feel offended if I say this. But, I cannot help telling the truth for your good! You folks are running after petty pleasures and silly satisfactions wasting your energies by singing paeans of praise of unworthy entities. I, for one, would never misuse my tongue in such pursuits but would dedicate all my hymns at the feet of my father, the Lord of TiruvEnkaTam who is majestic like the mighty elephant and in whose place bees hum his glory ". COMMENTS: The Azhwar says that we should use the faculties granted by the Lord only for His purpose and not waste on others. The Azhwar feels sorry for those who use their literary talents to suppressing their defects (suppressio veri) and invent non-existent qualities in people (suggestio falsi) - all for “a few dollars more” or for currying some silly gains from them. He asks them to give up this unholy habit and unavailing exercise and turn to sing about the Lord who has all the auspicious qualities and who is totally devoid of any blemishes and who alone can grant more than what one could wish for, even in their wildest imagination. Seeing the apathy of people to this appeal, he turns to himself and says at least for his part, he would practice what he preached. NAMPILLAI says that the Azhwar's regaining composure in this thought is like a pilgrim in a party who was somehow spared and let off with his possessions while all the rest in the party were plundered by highway robbers. The Azhwar seems to imply – “ I was thinking that only my objective in life was to attain Him. But, He seems to think that His only objective is to hear me singing about Him and that is why He is standing in Tirumalai not minding the pain and cramp affecting His legs by standing indefinitely for this!” What an Anubhavam! (iii) maari maaraatha thaNNam malai vEnkaTathu aNNalai vaari maaraatha paim poom pozhil soozh kurugoor nagar kaari maaran saTakOpan soll aayirathu ippaththaal vEri maaraatha poomEl iruppaaL vinai theerkkumE 4.5.11 MEANING: “ The cool rains fall mainly on the hills and plains of TiruvEnkaTam. Here stands the Lord with His proverbial compassion. You know who has sung on Him? Kaari Maaran a.k.a. SaTakOpan of Tirukkurugoor that abounds in gardens of fragrant flowers. You know what will happen? Competing with the Lord, Thayar who sits on the fragrant lotus flower will rush with unsurpassed compassion to protect those who recite these 10 out of the 1000 Paasurams of Tiruvoimozhi” COMMENTS: Why should Thayar do this? The secret is that She had recommended as mediatrix (Purushaakaaram) to the jivas in the first place for the Lord’s grace. It is but natural for Her to overtake the Lord in granting protection to Her protégé! ====================================================================== 2. “DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA- VAAMANA AVATAARAM (The Dwarf) – Anbil Ramaswamy ------ SLOKAM: vreeDaa vidha vadhaanya dhaanava yasO naasera dhaaTee paTah: trai aksham makuTam punan avathu na: TraivikramO vikramah: / yath prasthaava samuchritha dvaja paTee vrithaantha siddhaanthibhih: srOthObhih: sura sindhu ashTasu disaa soudhEshu dOdhooyatE // MEANING: “ When the Lord went to Mahaabali to beg for three footsteps of land, the bounteous Emperor Mahaabali felt ashamed of himself in offering the gift. When the Lord grew to show His Viswaroopam and measured the three worlds, the foot that went up seemed to be the flagstaff proceeding to proclaim the glorious bounty of Mahaabali. Brahma offered “Paadhyam” to this foot, while the sacred waters flowing from this fell on and sanctified the matted crest of hair of Siva and the eight directions. May that Vikrama’s foot protect us” THE BACKGROUND STORY: MAHABALI, the grandson of PRAHLADA was a virtuous king. He performed a sacrifice called `VISWAJIT' (conquest of the worlds) meaning that which bestows mastery over the three worlds. From out of the sacrificial fire arose a golden chariot, an armor and a coat of arms. Donning them, he set out on a `DIGVIJAYA' (Conquest of the directions). With the help of SUKRACHARYA his preceptor, he drove Indra and Devas to the nether world and occupied MAYAVATHI, the capital of Indra. BRIHASPATI counseled Indra to wait. Nothing could be done and MAHABALI would fall only if and when his preceptor cursed him for disobeying his command - a situation that could be contrived only by Lord VishNu. Kaasyapa Rishi had another wife by name ADITI who was the mother of Devas. As the banishment of Devas took place at a time when KASYAPA had gone out for meditation, she awaited his arrival. And, when he returned she narrated the happenings. KASYAPA and ADITI performed a `PAYOVRATA' - (penance for 12 days when the sacrificers could drink only milk). This was done to propitiate SRI VISHNU. Vishnu was pleased and appeared before them and told that he would be born as the youngest son of ADITI and would help in restoring the glory of Indra. Accordingly he was born during a bright fortnight of the month Bhadrapada. The baby immediately grew up to be a short statured Brahmin Brahmachari (celibate) called VAMANA. This Brahmachari entered the sacrificial grounds of BALI who was performing Aswamedha (horse sacrifice). He was resplendent and shone like a thousand Suryas. Bali was amazed, received him with due honors and requested what he wanted - cows, elephants, horses, gold, chariots and promised that he would give whatever VAAMANA wanted. Vaamana said that he did not desire any of these but wanted that much of land as measured by three steps in his stride. BALI readily agreed and asked his wife to bring water for consecrating water in his palm. His Guru, Sukracharya realized that it is only Lord VishNu who had come in the garb of a Brahmachari and prevailed upon BALI to retract from his promise. But, Bali insisted saying that if Lord VishNu himself were to seek alms from him, there could no greater glory for him and he would not retract. Sukracharya became angry and cursed him that he would soon fall from his high position. And, SRI VISHNU was waiting exactly for this moment. Soon after the consecration VAAMANA grew and grew so tall that all those who witnessed were amazed to witness such a phenomenon. Vaamana became TRIVIKRAMA and began to measure the three paces. By the first he strode like a colossus and covered the earth. By the second, he measured the Heavens. And, asked BALI where was he to measure by the third pace. BALI bowed low to Vishnu and prayed VIKRAMA to place his foot on his head. Lord VishNu sent him to Sutala to rule there and thereafter to enjoy for a whole Manvantara, the position of Indra. The three steps are compared by a commentator to three fiery manifestations of the Lord Viz., Flame, Lightning and the Sun-the flame ablaze the terrestrial sphere, the lightning illuminating the atmospheric sphere and the Sun darting across the celestial sphere. Thus, in this Avatar the God of majesty and power took a dwarf's stature, begged MAHABALI on behalf of his devotee, Indra and at the same time ensured MAHABALI, Lordship of the Sutala, the nether world and thereafter the position of the next Indra in Savarni Manvanthra. It is believed the Lord is still guarding the palace of MAHABALI and had conferred immortality to MAHABALI in recognition and appreciation of his steadfastness in upholding his promise. Swami Vedanta Desika describes this Avatar as `Raksha Vaamana" - Vaamana whose only objective is protecting those who surrender to him. Indra surrendered and on his behalf he took a lowly form of a dwarf. As MAHABALI surrendered to God when he bowed before the Lord, the Lord assumed the role of a watchman to guard his palace. Since he did not desire to dishonor MAHABALI, the grandson of an ardent devotee, Prahlada, He stooped even to beg of him three paces of earth and desisted from wresting earth by force. Also, Bhagavaan had promised to Prahlada that he would not kill any of his family members or descendants. So, he had to avert a fight, which would have entailed Mahaabali's death. The only way he could wrest earth was begging and begging for a living was the prescribed vocation for a Brahmin especially a Brahmachari. Thus, he protected both Indra and Mahaabali without bloodshed. An interesting point which is little known is that when Mahaabali once complained to his grandfather, Prahlada about the decline in the prosperity of his kingdom, Prahlada told him that it was due to the disrespect shown by Mahaabali to the Lord. Mahaabali asked arrogantly who was this VishNu that stood in his way. Prahlada could not bear to hear such a haughty reply and cursed Mahaabali that he would soon be banished from his kingdom. Sukracharya's curse only added fuel to the fire of the curse of Prahlada. Together, the two curses brought the downfall of Mahaabali. Though, in fact, Lord VishNu (the rightful lord of the Universe) was only reclaiming what belonged to him and in the process seemed to check up the measurements since he did it by begging alms- considered an unedifying act, he shrank and looked dwarfish and small - all as a supplicant before MAHABALI who looked great as a bestower - a fact that had to be recognized. ANDAL refers him as "ONGI ULAGALANDA UTHAMAN' - the noble one who measured the earth by assuming gigantic proportions - to prove that he measured his own property. Who is a “Uthaman”? One who helps others expecting a ‘quid pro quo’ is an “adhaman”. One who helps without expecting anything in return is a ‘madhyaman’. One who beliitles himself, not minding the dishonor to one’s self, yet goes out to help others is “Uthaman”. Here the Lord belittled Himself to help both Indra and Mahaabali. Hence, He is “Uthaman”. Even as pilot goes before a VIP, the foot of Trivikrama when it reached the high heavens proclaimed the glory of MAHABALI'S bounty COMMENTS: 1. This is the ONLY Avatara that is mentioned in the Vedas “Idam Vishnu VichakramE Tredaa nidadE padam”. 2. When the Lord took Viswaroopam, He shone like the combination of the terrestrial flames, the atmospheric lightning and the celestial Sun. 3. Because the Lord had promised to Prahlada not to kill any of his descendants, He had to resort to a strategy to dispossess Mahaabali. The best way that could be done is by begging a gift from Mahaabali. Naturally, out of shame as one with a begging bowl, the Lord had to appear in a diminutive form before Mahaabali, Hence, the dwarf Vaamana! 4. Vreeda vidtha= Overcome with shyness. The Sruti says that Daanam should be given with shyness and humility. “hriyaa dEyam” Hence, Mahaabali offered gift in this spirit. 5. Vadaanya = Generous. Vada + anya. When one gives Daanam, the donor should feel he had not given enough. His bhaavam should be to ask the recipient Please tell (Vada); “Do you need anything more?” (anya). This is the frame of mind of the generous Mahaabali. 6. Daanava Yasah naaseera Dhaatee patah = The glory of the Asura King was such that when the Lord took the form of Trivikrama and grew, His foot reaching up the high heavens seemed to act as a pilot declaring his glory of a VIP spearheading his army (naaseera). 7. Trai aksham makuTam Punann = Sanctifying the head of the three eyed Siva because the waters flowing from Lord’ feet cleansed with the kamanDalam waters offered by Brahma in SatyalOkam flowed down and was held in the locks of hair of Lord Siva, the locks became purified! 8. The TiruvaDi of the Lord appeared as the flag post; the Ganges looked like the flag (dvaja patee) declaring to all the worlds the glory of Mahaabali’s generosity. 9. It is interesting to note that when one raised His foot (Trivikrama), one offered Paadhyam and washed it (Brahma) and a third one’s head got sanctified by the holy waters (Siva)! This establishes without any doubt as to who is Para dEvata. 10. Why did Mahaabali fall? His Guru Sukracharya cursed him when he disobeyed him by insisting on granting alms to Vaamana against Guru’s protests. Once, puffed up with pride, he challenged his grandfather, Prahlada denigrating the Lord so dear to Prahlaada; Prahlaada spelled a curse that he would lose his possessions. The twin curses led to his downfall. 11. Swami Desika in the 12th Sloka calls Vaamana “Rakshaa Vaamana” – One who protected. This is because he did not kill Mahaabali; Instead, He spread the glory of Mahaabali in all the 8 quarters (Ashtasu disaa soudeshu), sending him down to rule over the nether world of Soothalam and finally assuring him the post of Indra in the next manvantara. ====================================================================== 4. SRI RANGA VIJAYAM – PART 28 – “THE 2nd ENCLOSURE” >From "Sri Ranga Vijayam" by Purisai Sri Krishnamachariar Swami, Editor, "Nrisimhapriya" (translation in English: Anbil Ramaswamy) ---- The 2nd Enclosure is “Chozha Mannan Raja MahEndran Sutru”. The entrance is known as “Naazhigai kETTaan Tiruvaasal” because in the olden days people used to inquire “What is the time now?” The front side is said to be guarded by Bhadran and Subhadran while the rear one by “Sankanidhi” and “Padmanidhi”. When the Lord passes this entrance, they used to play VeeNa. The Lord’s gait in moving step by step listening to the music of VeeNa is a sight for Gods to see! As we enter, on our left we see the Safe vault for Lord’s ornaments, where precious jewels of PerumaaL and Thaayaar are kept in safe custody. Next is a cloaks room and separate rooms for offerings to Samaya puram Maari amman, for “ThOLukkiniyaan”, for “kAAnikkai”, for Sukravaara arai, where articles like civet, fragrant sandal paste, musk etc. used for applying to the Lord on Fridays are kept. Next to this is the “parivaTTa” room for keeping special robes of the Lord. Proceeding further, we come across the place where during the month of Kartigai on the Kaisika Ekaadasi day the Lord enjoys “Karpoora PaDiEtram”. Vijaya Ranga Chokkanaathar used to attend this every year with his entire family. Once, he was late. By the time he arrived the function was over. It seems that he stayed put there itself for one whole year till the function in the next year! Even today the figures of the family can be seen on one side of this enclosure. On the northwest side is the “Yaaga Saalai” (Sacrificial altar) and opposite to this is the “ThoNDamaan KuraDu” constructed by King ThoNDamaan. Next to this is the big Sannidhi for VishvaksEnar. There is a mantapam called “Arjuna Mantapam” where the “Pagal Pathu” utsavam is held during the month of Margazhi. Also can be seen the Sannidhis for KulasEkara and ‘Tulukka naachiyaar”. Opposite this is the “KiLi mantapam” where parrots were kept. From a particular spot on this mantrap, we can have Darsanam of “Para VaasudEvar” on the “PraNAvaakaara Vimaanam”. There is also a huge mirror on which the Lord’s reflection can be seen when the Lord takes His stroll. On the East Side is a mantapam called “ Azhagiya MaNavaaLan Sandhana Mantapam” where NamperumaaL has His Tirumanjanam (ceremonial bath) on special occasions. We can have a good Darsanam of Periya perumaaL from here. There is a figure of AnjanEyar here. Azhagiya Singhar used to observe in a light vein that because the Lord was constantly reclining on His couch of AdisEsha, AnjanEya, out of utmost care always stays nearby to rush to the Lord if ever He were to be affected by the poison from the serpent. There is a “Mirror room’ (kaNNaaDi arai) nearby where the Lord used to rest during BrahmOtsavams. When the Lord emerges from this, He adopts the style of a lion (Simhagathi) and while returning He adopts the style of a serpent (Sarpagathi) ====================================================================== 4. "LEARN OUR TRADITION THE EASY WAY"- SAMPRADAYA LESSONS FOR KIDS GRADE 2 LESSON 15: “SWAMI DESIKA’S STOTRAS” (Contd) (Written in Tamil by Desika Bhakta Ratnam, U. Ve. Seva Srinivasa Raghava chariar Swami under his "Jayamangala Paada Thittam" and translated in English by Sri M.K.Srinivasan Swami of Vedanta Desika Research Center. ------ As already noted in an earlier Chapter and as Swami Desika’s Tanian declares-“even one of his works can take us to high Heavens above”. We give below some Stotras ON Sri Desika: Name of the work / By whom Desika MangaLaasaasanam/ Sri Kumaravaradachar (Nainarachar Swami) Desika Vigraha Dhyaanam/ Same Desika Dinacharya/ Same Desika Prapatti/ Same Desika Pradhaana Sathakam/ Same Pillai Anthaadhi/ Same Saptadhi Ratnamaalika/ Sri Prativaadi Bhayankaram ANNan Desika Kavacham/ Sri Panchamatha Bhanjanam Thaatha Desikan Acharya Panchaasath/ Sri VenkaTaadwari Acharya Dvaatrimsath/ Same Sriman Nigamaantha Mahha Desika Vimsathi/Sholinghur DoDDayaachaarya Achaarya Vimsathi/ Sri Annayaarya Mahaa Desikan Achaarya Vimsathi/ Sri Raghunaathaadwari Vimsathi Ratnamaala/ Sri PaaTraachaariar AshTottara Satham/ Same Vedaantha Guru DanDakam/ Same Sri Vedaantha Desika Gadhyam/ Same Nigamaantha Desika Gadhyam / Same Abda maalikaa Stotram/ Same Muktaka Slokas/ Same Akshaya Aaraadhanam/ Sri Seva Swami -------------------------- QUESTIONS: 1. Write the names of any 15 of Sri Desika’s Stotras and enumerate the benefits, which would accrue on reading them? 2. For removal of ignorance which are the Stotras to be studied? 3. Write the names of 8 works ON Sri Desika by others and give the names of the authors? ====================================================================== _______________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
