Dasavatara & Picture Gallery
.....or with
pictures of each individual avatara
Sripad Vadiraj Tirtha's dashAvatAra stutiih of the Brahma-Madhwa sampradaya
Dasavatara Stotram of Srila Jayadev
Goswami of the Brahma-Madhwa-Gaudiya sampradaya
another
version of this page
View the Dasavataras in a Flash sequence
Remedial measures (upaayam) for the various planetary dynasties (vamsha) rules by each avatara
vedan uddharate jaganti vahate bhu-golam udbibhrate
daityam darayate balim chalayate ksatra-ksayam kurvate
paulastyam jayate halam kalayate karunyam atanvate
mlecchan murchayate dasakrti-krte krsnaya tubhyam namah
O Lord Krsna, I offer my obeisances unto You, who appear in the forms
of these ten incarnations. In the form of Matsya You rescue the Vedas,
and as Kurma You bear the Mandara Mountain on Your back. As Varaha You
lift the earth with Your tusk, and in the form of Narasimha You tear open
the chest of the daitya Hiranyakasipu. In the form of Vamana You trick
the daitya king Bali by asking him for only three steps of land, and then
You take away the whole universe from him by expanding Your steps. As Parasurama
You slay all of thewicked kshatriyas, and as Ramachandra You conquer the
rakshasa king Ravana. In the form of Balarama You carry a plow with which
You subdue the wicked and draw toward You the River Yamuna. As Lord Buddha
You show compassion toward all the living beings suffering in this world
and a the end of the Kali-yuga You appear as Kalki to bewilder the mlecchas
[degraded low-class men].
presented by SrI. Anbil Ramaswamy
http://srivaishnavam.com/stotras/dasavatharam_meaning.htm
Introduction:
WHAT IS AVATARA?
We have heard of “Aarohanam” and “Avarohanam” in music. The former
means the cadence moving from a low pitch up to a high one; the latter
means the cadence coming down from a high pitch to a low one. “Avataara”
means the Lord who is in the highest realms of Paramapadam chooses to come
“down to earth”. This descent is called “Avataara”.
WHO TAKES THESE “AVTAARAS” AND WHO DOES NOT?
It is Sriman Narayana who is the “Bhagavan” and none else. Stories
of the so called Avataras by lesser deities may be found in Raajasa Puraanas
which are less authentic while Taamasa Puraanas are not authentic at all
(e.g.) the stories of “Pittukku Mann Sumanthathu” and “Sutta pazham, Sudaatha
Pazham” etc. episodes are not vouched by any Saatvika Puraanas and hence
should be dismissed as imaginative.
WHO IS THIS BHAGAVAN”?
Bhagavan has been defined as one who possesses all the six essential
qualities of Jnaana (Knowledge), Sakti (Power), Veerya (Valor), Tejas (Brilliance),
Bala (Strength) and Aiswarya (Lordship). Ahirbudnya Siva himself says that
it is only Sriman Narayana who possesses all these six qualities.
WHY SHOULD BHAGAVAN TAKE “AVTAARAS”?
Lord Krishna has made it clear in Bhagavad Gita
Yadhaa yadhaa hi Dharmasya Glaanir bhavathi Bhaaratha/
Abhyuthaanam Adharmasya Tad Aatmaanam srujaamyaham//
Whenever there is a decline in the natural order of the Universe, whenever
there is a rise in evil beyond certain limits, I manifest myself” and
Paritranaaya Saadhoonaam Vinaasaaya cha Dushkritaam/
Dharma Samsthapanaarthaayaya Sambhavami yugE yugE//
To protect the virtuous, to destroy evil and to establish “Dharma’I recreate myself in every Yuga”.
CAN HE NOT DO ALL THESE BY REMAINING IN HIS NITYA VIBHOOTHI?WHY SHOULD
HE TAKE THE TROUBLE OF “COMING DOWN” TO US?
He can do all these without coming down. But, it is to give us the
reassurance that He is with the Sadhus by being in their physical proximity
that He takes these Avataaras.
The concept of Avataara is a distinguishing feature of Hinduism that
is not present in any other religion. God's will is supreme. So, whenever
He wants, He can take an Avataara. But, the most important of them
all are known as “Dasa Avataara” – the 10 Main Avataaras. He can appear
in this world as a concrete person and appear to be in flesh and blood
though His body is Suddhasatva. and every such manifestation is called
an Avatara
He `touches down' earth so that we can `take off' to his high heavens.
He `demotes' himself to our level so as to `promote' us to his level.
He `descends' leaving his high pedestal to help us leave our mundane
existence and ‘ascend' unto him.
He ‘steps down' so that we may ‘step up'.
He humbles himself to teach us realize how humble we really are.
He manifests himself in `ridiculous' forms like fish, tortoise, boar,
half-lion, dwarf etc to appeal to our `ridiculous perceptions' and help
us `sublimate' our lives
"The Impersonal Absolute God, descends as it were to the level of our
mundane universe and makes his presence felt. The perfect God takes on,
it seems, an imperfection in itself to appear as a living being in
order to
take us imperfect beings on the onward path to perfection. So, whenever
an event takes place (as when the son of God appeared on Earth),
the people of that time who had the beatific experience of God's
proximate presence
worshipped Him as God incarnate. These Avataars are the closest
approximation to the divinity for us, who cannot see him in ourselves"1
(1: Dr.V.Krishnamoorthi, Retd. Professor,Pilani)
He ‘lowers’ himself in order to ‘lift’ us up;
He ‘stoops’ to our level so that we might ‘clasp’ his hands.
He ‘debases’ himself in an attempt to ‘ennoble’ us.
He enters ‘our homes’ to make us feel 'at home.' with him
He ‘condescends’ to make us feel ‘worthy’ of him.
HOW MANY TIMES HAS HE TAKEN “AVATAARAS’?
“Avtaaraa: asankhyeyah” – Avataaras are countless. There is a saying
that the Lord Himself has not kept a tab on the number of Avataaras He
had taken! Down from the Vedas to Puraanas, as many as 100 + Avataaras
have been
identified but only 10 as the main Avataaras.
WHY NO AVATAARAS SO FAR IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT IN THIS YUGA IS SAID
TO BE WORST?
For this, we have to look at the length of Yuga reckoning.
Kali Yuga 432,000 human years
Dwaapara Yuga (Dwa =two) 2 times Kali = 864,000
Treta Yuga (Tre= three) 3 times kali = 1296,000
Krita Yuga (Kri= 4 ) 4times Kaliyuga = 1728,000
Total 4320.000 or 4.32 million
= 1 Mahayuga
So, there are-
4 Avataaras in Krita (Matsya, Koorma, Varaaha and Nrisimha)
3 Avataaras in Treta Yuga (Vaamana, Parasuraama and Sri Rama)
2 Avataaras in Dwaapara yuga (Balaraama and Krishna)
1 Avataara in Kaliyuga (the apocalyptic Kalki, yet to be)
DO THE AVATARAS HAVE ANY BEARING TO THE MODERN THEORY OF EVOLUTION?
We cannot say so exactly. But in a way, we may derive a parallel:
First, the creatures that live solely in water (Matsya);
Then, those that can live in both water and land (amphibian) (Koorma);
Then, those that live solely on land (Varaaha);
Then Half-lion and Half-man - a stage between Homo sapiens and animals
(Tiryaks) (Nara + Simha);
Then, Homo sapiens with short stature (Vaamana);
Then, the rough and tough and not so civilized human (Parasurama, Rama
with the axe)
Then, the Perfect example of Civilized human (Sri Rama, Rama with the
bow)
Then, one with occupational (say, Agricultural) skills (Balarama, Rama
with the plough)
Then, Superhuman (Sri Krsihna)
Then, the apocalyptic (Kalki)
WHAT DOES THE LORD GAIN BY THESE AVATAARAS?
The only gain is that He enjoys the fun making this earth - His fun
place. If you take the entire cosmos, Vedas say that Paramapadam known
as Vaikuntam or “Nitya Vibhuthi” is 3/4ths and this Universe “Leela Vibhuthi”
is the balance of 1/4th.
WHAT IS THIS “LEELA VIBHUTHI”?
This is Lord’s playground.
Kambar says:
“ulagam yaavaiyum,thaan ulavaakalum, Nilai peruthalum, neekalum
neengala alagilaa vilaiyattudaiyaan avn padam saran naangale”
Bhagavad Ramanuja in his invocatory slokam of his Sri Bashyam says-
“ Akhila bhuvana janma sthema Pankhaadhi leele” (Leele means in play)
IS THERE ANY CONNECTION BETWEEN ASHTAKSHARAM AND ITS RELATION TO 10
AVATAARAS?
Pranavam has 3 letters a., u. and ma = 3
Na+ra+ya+na+ya = 5
Na+ma: = 2
Total =10
WHY 13 SLOKAS FOR 10 AVATAARAS?
Azhwars and Avataaras
Abinava Dasa avataaram = 10
Andal + Madhurakavi + Amudanaar = 3
Total = 13
"DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA"- INTRODUCTORY SLOKAM–
DevO na: Subham AaathanOthu dasadhaa nirvarthayan bhoomikaam
RangE dhaamani labda nirbhara rasaih adhyakshithO bhaavukai:/
Yad bhaavEshu pruthak vidhEshu anuguNaan bhaavaan swayam bibhrathee
Yad dharmair iha dharmiNi viharathE naanaa kritir naayikaa// 1
MEANING:
" May the Supreme Lord who descended down to earth in ten incarnations
and acted, all in sport, a variety of roles on the massive stage
of this earth and Mother Goddess who took appropriate roles and also
presided over their drama as great Connoisseurs of histrionic arts
– May the Divya Dhampathis shower on us their divine grace"
COMMENTS:
1. The first Slokam is prefatory outlining the twin requisites of
ancient dramatics of "Naandhi" and "Prasthaavana"
2. Naandhi = Prayer to Ishtadevata a Mangalaasaasanam Prasthaavana
= Introduction of the "dramatis personae" and the roles donned by
them. Both the "Sutradaara"(narrator) and the `NaTi" (actors) have
to enter the stage in the opening scene itself. So, both Perumal
and Thayar are mentioned in this Sloka. The last 2 Slokas present a summation
(Padavakhyam) and Concluding remarks (Phalasruthi)
3. The first word is "Deva" and the last is "Nayika" establishing that
the Divine couple together is the Lord of all, the basic tenet of our Siddhantam.
4. Subham = Prayer for eternal bliss and happiness which they
alone can grant.
4. Na: = includes "us"- not only the actors but also the audience signifying
active involvement and mutual gratification.
5. Bhumikaam = Stage, Costumes, and the World (Bhumi) - (All the world
is a stage!)
6. Dasadhaa = 10 Scenes, 10 roles
7. Range Dhaamani = Holy city of Srirangam, the stage or the dais,
this universe.
8. Labda = indicates "acquisition of a new experience hitherto unobtained"
9. Nirbhara = "Overflow" of the enjoyment like floods breaching the
embankments.
10. Rasaih = is in plural indicative of the rich variety of bliss,
a multifaceted experience.
11. AdhyakshitO bhaavukai: = Between (na:) Rasikas and actors (bhaavuka:),
SD introduces
"adhyakshita" (Presiding) the Chief patron of the kshetram, Lord Ranganatha
Himself who is both "Vaktaa" and "bhoktaa" and enjoys the show in the company
of Rasikas.
12. Prithakvideshu anugunaan = Swami Desika emphasizes the common intent
and purpose of the Lord and the Lady who are inseparable, a condition that
is "sine-qua-non" as per our Sampradayam. "Dwandam
anyonya lakshyam". He seems to suggest that if it were not for Her
Sankalpam, the Lord's Sankalpam would be vitiated by "Rasabangham", "Karyabangham"
and "Dharma bangham"
13. Yath Dharmairiha Dharmini = She is one with the Lord in the discharge
of His Dharma as "sahadharmiNi"
14. Iha = can mean in Srirangam, in this world, and "in every Avatara
dasa" as "anthar bhoothai" and "pathni"
15. Naayika = may mean Sriranganayaki, also that she directs the show
implying that the entire show is meant to bring out Her greatness. Is nor
Ramayana called "Sitaayaa: Charitam mahath"?
5. 16. Naanaa kritir naayika = again, affirms the multifaceted roles
she dons in different Avataras.
17. ViharatE = reemphasizes that both the Lord and the Lady "Play"
their respective roles. In the drama in 10 scenes.
“DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA”- MATSYA AVATAARAM.
nirmagna sruthi jaala maargaNa dasaa dathakshaNair veekshaNai:
antha: thanvadhiva aravinda gahanaan oudanvatheenaam apaam /
nishprathyooha tharanga ringaNa mitha: prathyooDa paatha: chaDaa
Dola AarOha sadOhaLam bhagavatha: maatsyam vapu: paathu na: //” 2
MEANING:
“The Lord dived into the ocean in the form of a fish searched with
His lotus eyes, rapidly viewing on all directions creating an illusion
of lotus flowers blossoming everywhere - all in search of the Vedas
that had been stolen by an Asura. The ebb and flow of the waves of the
Ocean seemed to be a swinging cradle that soothed and almost lulled Him
into a comfortable reverie. May this Lord of “Matsya Avataara” protect
us”
BACKGROUND STORY:
It will be noticed that Swami Desika does not dwell at length on the
story behind the scene in His drama. In some cases, he gives just a hint
and in others he leaves it to the imagination of the readers. For
the information
of those not familiar with the story part, we give the background for
a better appreciation of the Avatara Rahasyam and Swami Desika’s composition.
STORY OF MATSYA AVATAARAM
At the end of one of the Kalpas, after a day's strenuous work, as nightfall
was approaching Brahma felt sleepy. As his eyelids closed and his mouth
opened involuntarily for a yawn the Vedas slipped out of his mouth without
his noticing. But a demon by name Hayagriva did not fail to notice
this and hurried to devour the Vedas. Sri Vishnu who is all pervading
and omniscient observed this and decided to retrieve the Vedas and
restore them to Brahma
to enable him to go ahead with his work of creation during the next
Kalpa (day break).
While Sri Vishnu could have wrested the Vedas from the demon by his
sheer will-power (Sankalpa), he chose to wait for performing a two-in-one
feat of conferring his blessings on a Bhakta, SATYAVRATA by name
while destroying the demon. As the deluge (Pralaya) was near at hand,
he decided to descend `down to earth' in the form of a `fish' to accomplish
both the tasks.
Satya Vrata was a great and good King. Once he went to the river KRITAMALA
for offering water (Argya) during Sandya vandana. A small fish came into
his hands as he cupped his palms to lift water. He dropped it back
in the water. But every time he lifted water the fish was sure to
get into his hands. The King left it in a tub but it grew so fast
that the tub could not hold it. The king transferred into a well,
pond, lake, river and finally the sea as it overgrew so rapidly that
none of them could contain it. Satyavrata was amazed, when the fish
revealed himself as Lord VISHNU. When the Lord asked the king what
he wanted, he did not desire anything for himself. He did not even want
Moksha. All that he sought was that even during the impending Pralaya,
he should be instrumental in saving the life of worthy souls from
destruction.
The fish told him that on the 7th day from then a great deluge(Mahapralaya)
would take place when a severe tornado would rip through the Universe and
destroy it. But, if Satyavrata could muster herbs, seeds and a pick of
beings he wanted for the next Kalpa and keep ready, the fish would send
a spacious boat in which all of them as also the Saptarishis (7 sages)
would be accommodated and saved. The fish advised that Vasuki, the
serpent should be brought and used as a rope for fastening the boat to
the horns of the fish. Satyavrata did exactly as advised by the fish and
the entire crew was saved. As the boat sailed throughout the night
of Brahma, Lord Vishnu taught Satyavrata and the Saptarishis what is known
as “Matsya Purana.”. Thus, Vishnu saved true devotees from destruction
and endowed them with divine knowledge. During the 7 day waiting
period the Lord in his gigantic fish form sought after the demon Hayagriva,
killed him in a straight fight and retrieved the Vedas.
Thus, He accomplished the three tasks of saving the righteous, destroying
the demon and retrieving Vedas for establishing Dharma. This SATYAVRATA
later became the Manu during Chakshusha Manvantara.
Swami Sri Vedanta Desika calls this Avatar as `ICHA MEENA' in his Dasavatara
Stotra to indicate that the Lord took the form of a fish by his desire
(Icha or Sankalpa)
COMMENTS:
1. Swami Desika makes no mention about this story. Since Leela rasam
is the main focus, SD highlights the salient Rasa anubhavam. Here it is
“Ichaa”- desire. What is His desire? Taking the form of a huge fish swimming
in the
waters of the ocean.
2. Nirmagna Sruti jaala = Vedas that were submerged under the waters
3. Maargana dasaa= in the act of searching
4. Datta kshanai Veekshanai = casts His magic spell through His glances.
The ebb and flow of the waters during the forceful swimming of the fish
serves as a swing for the Lord!
5. In His hurry to search for the Vedas, His glimpses wandered hither
and thither swiftly. So, like a rotating fireball that seems to be everywhere,
his lotus eyes were also seen everywhere.
6. Unlike in the picture drawn by Raja Ravi Varma with a half-fish
and half- human, the figure depicted by SD shows the figure as a behemoth
fish precisely as it is seen in the Archaamurthis in the Dasavatara Sannidhi
in
Srirangam.
7. A subtle dig at the Lord can also be seen in this description. SD
seems to suggest that whatever form the Lord might take, the unique specialty
of His (Pundarika aksha) lotus eyes could not be camouflaged! In
Stotra Ratnam,
the Acharya describes “Matsya kamala lochanam”, SD goes a step further
to say that when His glances wherever they fell created the appearance
of bunches of lotus flowers in full bloom.
8. Why this phenomenon? Because the Lord moved so fast, His eyes directed
in all directions so swiftly that the underwater seemed to be all lotus
flowers.
9. As fish is believed to nourish its little ones by its sheer glance
and therefore, known never to bat its eyelids - the MATSYA Lord would save
His devotees by his mere glance. The dirt that gets accumulated in
beings who
languish in the ocean of SAMSARA - is cleansed by MATSYA Lord’s very
glance.
“DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA”- KOORMA AVATAARAM (Tortoise)
avyaasur bhuvana trayii manibhR^itaM
kaNDuuya nairadriNaa
nidraaNasya parasya
kuurma vapuSho nishvaasa vaatormayaH .
yadvikShepaNa saMskR^ito
dadhipayaH preN^khola paryaN^kikaa -
nityaa rohaNa nirvR^ito
viharate devaH sahaiva shriyaa
.
THE STORY:
By the grace of God, the Devas were living happily and were resplendent
with glory. Once sage Durvaasa went to the abode of Sri Vishnu and offered
obeisance to Sri Vishnu and Sri Mahalakshmi (Consort of Sri Vishnu). He
got
a garland of Sri Mahalakshmi from a Vidhyadhara damsel. Earlier, the
divine mother was pleased with performance of the damsel on Yazh,
(a stringed musical instrument like harp) and had gifted the garland
to her.
While returning, Sage Durvasa passed through the Indraloka where Indra,
Lord of Devas was coming in a procession mounted on his elephant.
Durvasa offered the garland to Indra. Indra did not receive it with
due respect but plucked it with the Ankusa (a goad used to spur the
elephant) and placed it on the head of the elephant which promptly
threw it down and trampled upon it. The sage got angry at the callous
behavior of Indra and instantly cursed him and the Devas that all
their glory and splendor would be lost and they would become emaciated
and shorn of their power. Even as the sage turned his back, his curse
started operating and the Devaloka lost its luster.
Indra went to Brahma who led the Devas to Sri Vishnu, the protector.
Lord Vishnu advised that they could reclaim their lost glory and
strength only if they drank the nectar of immortality which could
be got only by churning the milky ocean. But, how could they do it?
Lord Vishnu suggested that they lift mount Mandara and place it in
mid-ocean as a churn dashery using Vasuki, the serpent as a rope for turning
it. But, weak as they were, Devas could not even think of lifting the
mountain. Lord suggested that they make truce with the Asuras and enlist
their support in a joint venture!. But, he also warned that the Devas should
not desire any of the things emerging from the ocean even if the Asuras
forcibly took them. They should not rest until the nectar appeared and
he himself would ensure that the Asuras did not snatch it.
Brahma returned to his Satyaloka and Indra set forth to the Capital
of Asuras for peace talks. The Asuras were pleased and agreed to participate
in the joint endeavor of lifting the mountain and churning.
As they tried to lift, the burden of the mountain was too much and
many on both sides got crushed. Lord Vishnu mounted the mountain on the
back of `Garuda' his carrier, who flew to the seashore and safely
deposited the
mountain right at the center of the ocean. Vasuki was wound round Mandara.
The Asuras out of ego would not settle for the tail side. So, they took
charge of the head side of Vasuki, while the Devas had to make do with
the
tail side.
As the churning began, the mountain wobbled as it had nothing to support
and began to sink. Immediately, Lord Vishnu took the form of a giant sized
tortoise, plunged into the ocean and emerged out with the mountain on his
back.
They churned now with ease. The first thing to appear was the deadly
poison called Halahala or Kalakuta (black poison) representing the impurities
of the ocean. The poison was so potent as to blind the eyes and affect
breathing. Responding to the prayer of the Devas and Asuras, Lord Siva
drank the poison. Parvati, his consort stopped the poison from descending
down the throat. Hence, Siva is also called NEELAKANTA (Blue-throated).
Then emerged SURABHI (the cow), VAARUNI (wine), KARPAKAM / PARIJATHAM
(a tree), APSARAS (nymphs) CHANDRA (moon), SRI (Mahalakshmi), UCHAISRAVAS
(the white sonorous steed ), AIRAVATHAM'(Indra's elephant).
Finally, Lord DANVANTARI (the divine physician) who is none other than
another incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared with a golden pitcher with
AMRUTHA (the nectar of immortality) - an elixir of life that can prolong
life indefinitely. (It is also believed to have the properties that
can change any base metal into gold) Both the Devas and Asuras were excited
and a fight royal ensued.
Lord Vishnu now took the form of a beautiful damsel, enticed the Asuras
to give up their fight and entrust to her the task of distributing of nectar
among them all, on condition that none would question her action. Both
sides agreed to the condition. The Mohini (bewitching damsel) started
distributing first to the row where Devas had seated. The Asuras
waited for their turn. But, by the time she completed serving the
row occupied by the Devas, there was not a drop of nectar left in the pitcher.
Then, Mohini appeared as
Lord Vishnu, mounted on his Garuda and flew to his abode. The
Asuras, disappointed as they were charged on the Devas. But, the
rejuvenated Devas easily vanquished the emaciated Asuras and regained their
lost power and glory and the asuras were driven to Patala loka.
It will be seen that Lord Vishnu did everything. He advised them how
to get nectar, how to enlist support of their sworn enemies. He arranged
to the lift the mountain. He deliberately allowed the asuras to be
on the head-side of Vasuki which spouted poison and killed a number of
asuras. He held the mountain on his back to enable the churning. He took
the form of Danvantri and emerged with the pitcher of nectar. He again
appeared as Mohini to ensure Devas and deprive Asuras of a share in the
nectar. Without all this help, none of these could have happened and Devas
would have been languishing from the effects of the curse of Durvasa forever.
Sri Swami Desikan while describing this Avatara says "Vihara Katchapa"
meaning that Lord did all this in sport assuming the form of a tortoise.
He says that when the mountain moved during the churning, it looked as
if it
gently scratched the back of the tortoise and relieved it of its itching
and in the relief so secured, the Lord actually felt sleepy. He imagines
that as the waves of the ocean rose and fell, it looked as if it were a
swinging 'waterbed' on which the Lord enjoyed the swing.
Thirumangai Azhwar calls him a `GIRIDHARAN' meaning one who bore the
mountain in anticipation of a similar feat the Lord was to exhibit in a
subsequent Avatar as Krishna when he lifted the Govardhana Giri with his
little finger
COMMENTS:
1. Adrinaa: This means “mountain. This is the only reference to the
story, nothing else.
2. In 12th Sloka, SD refers to “Vihara Kachchapa” = Sportily donned
the form of tortoise.
3. Parasya Koorma vapushO = He roamed as the primordial tortoise (Aadhi
Sri Koormam). “Parasaya” also refers to His “Parama purusha tvam”
4. Bhuvanatrayeem avyaasu: = SD indirectly alludes to the story of
the world having been protected when Siva is said to have drunk the poison.
Did Siva really drink the poison?
Sruthi says
“Vayurasmaa upaamanyath pinishta smaa kunannamaa kesee vishasya
PatrEna yad RudrEna pibath sa:’
meaning that it is the Lord who drank the poison making Siva a vessel
to hold it (vishasya PatrEna yad RudrEna pibath sa:)
5. ViharatE = "plays" - is in the present tense indicating that this
Avatara is till not yet over.
6. Kanduuyanai: = means creating an itching sensation. When the mountain
on His back like a churn dashery rotated during the churning, when the
Devas and Asuras pulled it like in the rope pulling game, what could we
expect
except excruciating sense of itch for the Lord. But, what actually
happened? He felt it so soothing that He was almost lulled into sleep!.
SD goes further to say that during this “falling asleep” stage, he breathed
so heavily that the waves of the milky ocean rose and fell as if it was
gently swinging Him along with Piraatti and felt agreeably comfortable!
7. Does the Lord really sleep? He is a “Nitya Prabuddha”- ever awake
and vigilant. In Yadhavabhyudayam SD makes a reference to this “Sleep-
awake” situation in his own inimitable style where he suggests that the
Lord was in
deep meditation on how to distribute the nectar to the Devas while
depriving the evil asuras, though the churning was a joint endeavor!
8. Sriya Sahaiy Eva = SD not only reaffirms the inseparable-ness of
the divine couple but according to Acharyas’ Vyakhyanams, all these efforts
of the Lord in
- Suggesting to the Devas about the Churning of the milky ocean
- Suggesting making peace with the Asuras as a military strategy to
secure
their cooperation,
- Arranging to bring the Mantara mountain,
- Bearing it on His back to stop its wobbling,
- Advising Devas to hold on to the tail end of the deadly serpent,
Vaasuki,
- Appearing as Dhanvantari with the Pot of nectar
- Assuming the guise of Mohini for distributing nectar to the Devas
-
All were done only with a view to secure for Himself the nectarine
Mahalakshmi(amudhinum iniya penn amudai adaiya ivvalavu paaDu”)
DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA” VARAAHA AVATAARAM (Wild Boar)
gOpaayEth anisam jaganthi kuhanaa pOthree pavithree kritha
brahmANDa: praLayOrmi gOsha gurubhir gONaaravai: gurguraih: /
yath dhamshtra ankura kOTi ghaaTa ghaTanaa nishkampa nitya sthithi:
brahma sthambham asoudasou bhagavathee mushEva visvambharaa // 4
MEANING:
“At the time of the great deluge, mother earth was wholly drowned under
the waters. The Lord took the form of a huge wild boar and diving deep
under the waters salvaged Her. At that time, He exhaled so heavily making
a roaring sound that purified the three worlds. The boar bore Mother earth
who bears the entire universe firmly on His horn as if She was a tuber
root stuck in it”.
STORY:
VARSHA AVATAR (Wild Boar)
The Maanasa putras of Brahma viz. Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanaatana and
Sanatkumara – visited the abode of SRI NARYANA. At the seventh entrance,
the gate keepers, Jaya and Vijaya stopped them even though they had the
right to meet with the Lord without prior appointment. Enraged at this,
the RISHIS cursed them to be born in the world. The Lord appeared and approved
of the curse but since they were repentant, modified the fiat by offering
them to be born on three occasions as demons to be killed by himself in
his three future Avatars after which they could re-enter the Kingdom of
god.
It is these Jaya and Vijaya who were born as Hinanya-aksha (Golden
eyed) and Hiranya kasipu (Golden dressed) during the period of Varaaha
and Nrisimha Avatars respectively; Ravana and Kumbakarna during Rama Avatar
and Sisupala and Dantavaktra during Krishna Avatar and were killed by Lord
Vishnu in the respective Avatars after which they ascended the Kingdom
of God.
In the first case, they were born to the sage KASYAPA and his wife
THITHI. It is believed that the disposition of progenies would be determined
by the time the parents united for procreation purposes. And, they were
born with
demoniac traits as the couple united at an inauspicious time. The two
demons developed a hostile attitude towards Lord Vishnu and when sage NARADA
narrated a prognosis of the next Avatar of NRISIMHA, they vowed to hide
the earth under Patala so that they could prevent the manifestation of
the Lord on earth. They set about to conquer the Devas with their newfound
power and started tormenting virtuous souls.
The Devas pleaded with Lord Vishnu, the protector and preserver of
the Universe. He assured them that he would do the needful.
Brahma was meditating on the Lord, when a tiny boar emerged from one
of his nostrils. Even as Brahma wondered what it was, the boar grew in
size and became as big as a huge mountain with a roar that reverberated
through the
universe, it took a mighty leap into the air and plunged down into
the ocean and reached the fathomless Patala where mother earth (Bhumi Devi)
was kept concealed by the demons. Digging his tusk, the boar lifted Bhumidevi
and held her secure in its horn.
Hiranyaksha was itching for a fight and when he confronted VARUNA,
the latter pleaded inability to give a fight and suggested that he call
Lord Vishnu who alone would be match for the demon. Hiranyaksha learned
from Sage NARADA that Lord Vishnu had taken the form of a boar and was
seeking to salvage mother earth from the hideout. Immediately, he rushed
to charge the boar and hurled insults on the boar.
The boar, however, ignored all the taunts as it measured the earth
with one foot, in this Avatar, The Lord held the entire earth in His horn
says POIGAI ALWAR. THIRUMAZHISAI ALWAR calls the MAHAVARAHA MURTHY as GNANAPIRAN.
Other Alwars described him as BHUVARAHAN as the Lord lifted BHU DEVI and
ADHIVARAHAN since He is the primordial Iswara. It is believed that this
Avatar took place at the time of deluge ending the Padma kalpa. ANDAL praised
the Lord since out of his love for BHUMIDEVI, he did not mind plunging
into dirt and slime in order to retrieve her. To save devotees, he will
not hesitate to take even the lowliest of forms and the form of the boar
came only next to those of fish and tortoise. The same horn which tore
apart the demon, also held gently the mother earth.
Sri Swami Desikan in his Dasavatara stotra extols this avatar as `MAHA
POTRIN' referring to the gigantic size of the boar.
COMMENTS:
1. During the saving, Lord advised Bhudevi, which is known as “Varaaha
Puraana”
2. Andal is none other than this Bhudevi reincarnated.
3. Tip of His single horn – “Eka Sringhee Varaahas Tvam” says Ramayana.
4. Anisam: “without night” i.e. always, while in sleep and while awake.
(Cf Sadaa pasyanthi Sooraya:) In the previous verse, the Lord is shown
as being lulled into sleep. Here, He is shown as fully awake all through!
Anisam can also be taken as Paramapadam where it is always bright (athi
raatram uthamam ahar bhavathi)
5. Varaaha is NOT a country pig as popularly believed but a huge wild
boar like a rhinoceros
6. Nish kampa nitya sthithi = Holding the ever revolving, ever rotating
earth firm and steady. The modern scientific concept of earth rotating
is brought out here.
7. Viswam bharaa = Bhu devi bore the massive earth; the Lord bore her.
Can we imagine the mammoth form of the Lord? It is said the Meru mountain
looked like dirt at the feet of the boar.
8. How did mother earth look like? Mustheva = Like a small piece of
root (Korai kizhangu)
9. SD describes Him as “Mahaa potrin” – Gigantic. Mahatvam is also
a leela!
10. GONa aravair gurgurai: = The roar of the boar was verily the Varaaha
Charama Slokam that is the ultimate promise of the Lord to the fallen souls!
11. Pavithree kritha Brahmaanda: = The sound issuing forth from the
boar is said to be more forceful than the tornado at the time of deluge
reverberating through all directions purifying the entire space.
12. Varaaha is also known as “Jnaana moorthi”- the source of knowledge.
"DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA"- : NRISIMHA AVATARAM (Half-Lion, Half Human)
Slokam 5
prathyaadishTa puraathana praharaNa graama: kshaNam paaNijai:
avyaath threeNi jaganthi akunTa mahimaa vaikunTa kaNTeerava:/
yath praadur bhavanaath avandhya jaTaraa yaadrichikaath vEdasaam
yaa kaachith sahasaa mahaasura griha sthooNaa pithamahi abhooth//
Meaning
"The King of VaikunTam Himself came down in the form of Lion-king.
Discarding the antiquated conventional weapons, He converted His own nails
as the weapon. He appeared in some pillar in the palace of the great Asura
and rid it of its sterlity by delivering Him, thus transforming it as the
Paternal Grandmother of Brahmas! May that Lord Nrisimha protect all the
three worlds"
THE BACKGROUND STORY
NARASIMHA AVATAR (Man-Lion)
On learning of the death of his brother at the hands of Lord Vishnu,
Hiranyakasipu vowed to kill Bhagavan and his devotees (Bhaagavatas) who
were engaged in a Yaga. With this end in view, he did penance propitiating
Brahma and got several boons. That he should not be killed by any created
thing, on earth or sky, at night or day, inside or outside, by man or beast,
celestial beings or Asuras, by any poisonous beings alive or dead or by
any weapons.
He became invincible and commenced tormenting all good people.When
he was busy doing penance, Indra took away Hiranyakasipu's wife, who was
pregnant. Sage NARADA stopped him and proceeded to explain to her the glory
of MAHAVISHNU. The fetus growing in the womb listened to the discourse
of Sage NARADA and became an incorrigible Bhakta of Sri VISHNU.On return
from penance with all the boons he got from BRAHMA, Hrianyakasipu
proclaimed that he was himself God and nobody should pay obeisance
to VISHNU. When the baby was born to Hrianyakasipu, he was named PRAHLADA
meaning one that is supremely happy. When he came of age, PRAHLADA was
sent to the Gurukula of his preceptor SUKRACHARYA. Sukracharya tried to
inculcate the new syllabus of adoring Hrianyakasipu as God. However hard
he tried, Sukracharya could not divert the attention of PRAHLADA from his
attachment to VISHNU.
Having failed in his efforts, Sukracharya complained to Hrianyakasipu
who became angry with his son, roared and threatened him. But, nothing
would move PRAHLADA from his devotion and determination to worship Lord
Vishnu.
When asked where from he got the courage to defy, the son replied he
got the strength from the All-powerful VISHNU.
- He ordered PRAHLADA to be cut asunder but only the weapon used got
broken.
- He had him cast away into the ocean but the Lord of the ocean brought
him unaffected.
- He was hurled from top of a mountain but the boy was saved by the
gentle hands of Lord Vishnu.
- He let snakes bite Prahlada but the Lord who reclines on Adisesha
saved the boy.
- He ordered elephants to trample him and
- He ordered the boy to be burnt by fire.
-
But, Prahlada emerged unscathed every time.
Hrianyakasipu became exasperated. Enraged, Hrianyakasipu vowed to kill
Vishnu and then Prahlada. He asked Prahlada where Vishnu was and showed
a pillar that was in his palace and asked if Vishnu was in it. Prahlada
replied in the affirmative and asked him to say where He was NOT!Hrianyakasipu
kicked the pillar with a bang. With a resounding crash the pillar cracked
and, Lord Vishnu emerged from it in the form of half-lion half- man to
substantiate the words of Prahlada. On seeing a creature that was neither
human nor animal, Hrianyakasipu realized that it could be none other than
Lord Vishnu himself. Almost instantly NRISIMHA seized him and crushed him
in a close embrace but he slipped through his hands, and charged him with
a sword.By that time, dusk had arrived which was neither day nor night,
NRISIMHA
carried the Asura to the doorstep where under the arch of the doorway
he sat laying the Asura on his lap. Thus, it was neither earth nor sky,
neither inside nor outside. NRISIMHA tore Hrianyakasipu to death with his
claws. Claw is not a weapon, one that was neither alive nor dead.
Periyazhwar explains why he embraced Hrianyakasipu before killing him
saying that he was searching whether there was at least an iota of compassion
towards his son. Since he did not find any, he decided to kill the Asura.
Sri Swami Vedanta Desika while referring to this AVATARA says, that
the pillar in the ASURA'S palace had the luck which other pillars elsewhere
in the world did not enjoy because it was from there Bhagavan emerged thus
ending her sterility. He jocularly remarks that by this, the pillar had
become the grandmother of BRAHMA thus: Brahma is known to be "Pithaamaha"
Grandfather. Vishnu is his father. By giving birth to Vishnu, the pillar
had become Brahma's grandmother. He calls this Avatar "YADRUCHA HARE" meaning
that the Lord appeared instantly and no preparations were made by him for
his incarnation.
That the Lord exhibited both his wrath and grace all at the same time
is very well brought out in the Sloka 'Satapatala Bheeshane' in Swami Sri
Vedanta Desika's Kamasika Ashtakam. When asked how it was possible that
the two incompatible emotions could be perceived in the same personality
all at once, Emperumanar is reported to have replied that the lioness even
when pouncing on its prey, the elephant, would continue to breast feed
with love its calf.
COMMENTS:
1. Kshanam = In a trice, Suddenly. Nrisimha Emerged unexpectedly from
the pillar
2. Paanijai: = Fingernails; They grow on the hands (paaNI+ja) and can
be clipped without hurt. So, they are both alive and dead at the same time
since Hrianyakasipu wanted NOT to be killed by anything living or dead!
3. Prathyaadishta Praharana graama: = Discarding the old routine weapons
like disc, mace etc. known as Panchaayudham, Shodasaayudham etc. because
the Lord had to deal with Hrianyakasipu without offending any of the contrary
boons Hrianyakasipu had obtained from Siva.
4. Akunta mahimaa = One of immeasurable glory cf Andal's "Kurai onrum
illatha Govindaa".
5. Threeni Jaganthi avyaath = It is such a one who can protect the
3 worlds
6. Vaikunta Kanteerava: = can mean both the Lion residing in Vaikuntam
or the Lion called Vaikuntan. Since Hrianyakasipu wanted NOT to be killed
by human or animal, the Lord took the Half-lion, Half-human form, which
cannot be deemed as either human or beast!
7. Sahasaa = Immediately and with supersonic speed
8. Avantya Jataraa = The pillar was relieved of barrenness (Maladu)
And, what happened?
9. Mahaasura Gruha Sthoonaa Piathaamahi abhooth = Swami Desika's imagination
runs riot when he humorously says that the pillar in the great Asura's
palace gave birth to the Lord thereby becoming the Grandmother for Brahma!
Brahma is known as Grandsire (Pithaamaha); Lord Narayana is the father,
having created Brahma; the pillar gave birth to Narayana in the form of
Nrisimha and automatically became the grandmother to the grandsire himself!
10. Of all the leelas of the Lord, the most wonderful is that of Nrisimha.
It is described as "Athiadbutham" more wonderful than that of Kishnaavatara
described only as "adbutham". He had to devise a stratagem appropriate
in form, time, location, and place, mode etc. without transgressing the
opposite conditions Hrianyakasipu had demanded and was granted in the form
of boons.
11. In 12th Sloka, Swami Desika calls the lord "yadruchchaa Hareh"
This can mean that He took the form never seen or heard of before and that
He took everyone by surprise including Hrianyakasipu, Brahma and Prahlada
by
suddenly appearing from a stone pillar! This is also another aspect
of Leela.
12. Vedasaam: Brahmas: The word is in plural to indicate that there
were several Brahmas from time immemorial. A story in Upanishads describe
Brahma as a worm living inside the fruit of a fig tree imagining that the
entire world was within the fruit it lived in, not knowing that there were
numerous other Brahma worms inside the millions of fruits on the mother
tree! There is also a Slokam that says that it may be possible to count
the number of sands on the banks of the Ganges or the tiny drops when torrential
rains lash but it is not possible to count the number of Brahmas who were
born and disappeared!
Gangaayaa: sikathaa: dhaaraa thathaa varshathi vaasave /
Sakhyaa ganayithum lokE na vyatheethaa: pitaamahaah //
13. It used to be said that the Lord appeared to make the words of
His devotee true. When Prahlada said that the Lord WAS in the pillar, He
actually WAS there to prove him true. "Nija Brithya Baashitham" Who is
the true Brithya here? Not only Prahlada but Siva also because He had to
be true to every single faulty boon Siva granted to Hrianyakasipu!
14. Another episode, which some people project is, the story in which
Siva is shown as taking a queerer form than Nrisimha as Sarbeswara and
killing Nrisimha. This is a concocted story found in an unreliable Tamasic
Sthala Purana. Exploding the myth behind this, it is said that "Saraba"
perished like a firefly ("salabaha") falling into a burning flame that
was Nrisimha!
"Sarabaha SalabhaayatE". Note the alliteration!
15. Swami Desika variously describes Nrisimha as "Adbutha Kesari" (wonderful
lion) "kaamaasikaa kesari" ( who became a lion of His own choice), "KapaTa
Kesari" (deceitful lion) ,"kelee narasimham" (Playful), "Vishama vilochana"
( One who displays at the same time opposite emotions of anger at Hrianyakasipu
and compassion at Prahlada) like a lion which even while pouncing ferociously
on its prey continues to breast- feed her cub)
DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA - VAAMANA AVATAARAM (The Dwarf)
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.
DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA-PARASURAMA AVATARAM (RAMA WITH THE AXE)
SLOKAM 7
KrOdha agnim jamadagni peeTana bhavam sam tharpayishyan kramaath
a-kshathraam iha santhathas cha ya imaam tri:sapta kritva kshithim
/
Dathvaa karmaNi dakshiNaam kvachana thaam aaskandhya sindhum vasan
Abrahmanyam apaa karOthu bhagavaan aabrahma keeTam munih //
MEANING:
“ When the fire of the fury of the Lord as a Sage was roused by a king
who
killed his father Jamadagni, He wiped out with a vengeance 21 generations
of the Royal clan from the face of the earth. Later He gave away the earth
in a Yagjna and retired to a land, which He reclaimed, from the Sea. Let
this Lord rid the miseries of the world right from the four faced Brahma
to the lowest of creatures”
BACKGROUND STORY:
KARTHAVEERYARJUNA, the ruler of HEHAYA was a great king. He got boons
from Datta AatrEya and other deities to become invincible. Puffed with
ego due to the newfound powers acquired by him, he became tyrannical and
began tormenting every one. Once, he even tried to confront Ravana, the
ruler of Lanka but was defeated and so he made truce with him. With a thousand
arms, with weapons and power, with a powerful ally in Ravana, nothing could
stop
him from his evil ways.
It is to quell Karthaveerya and his ilk and to protect the righteous
from his claws that Lord Vishnu descended down to earth and was born as
BHARGAVA RAMA the youngest of the five sons of Jamadagni and Renuka. Jamadagni's
father was RISHIKAN who married a Kshatriya girl SATYAVATI, daughter
of one KHADI. Because of this Varna sangaraha (mixing up of castes) and
other circumstances, BHARGAVA Rama though born as a Brahmin exhibited Kshatriya
traits and had a liking for weapons, archery etc. Indeed, his favorite
weapon was an axe, which he got as a gift from Siva. Parasu means
Axe. Hence, he was called PARASU RAMA.
Once, when the five brothers had gone out, Karthaveeryaarjuna entered
the hermitage of Jamadagni and demanded food for himself and his retinue.
With the help of Kaamadhenu, Jamadagni got food prepared for the host of
guests.
Karthaveerya knowing this demanded Kaamadhenu. But, Jamadagni would
not part with it. The king forcibly took away the cow and the calf.
When PARASU RAMA learnt of the incident, he marched towards MAHISHMATI,
the capital of the king. The king dispatched 17 battalions of Ratha (Chariots)
Gaja (elephantry), Turaga (Cavalry) and Pathadhi (infantry) each
one called an Akshouhini. Single-handed, PARASURAMA destroyed the entire
lot and then cut off the thousand arms of Kaarthaveerya and killed him
with his axe. Retrieving Kaamadhenu and her calf, he returned to the hermitage
where life was proceeding peacefully for some time.
On another occasion, Renuka who went to fetch water from a nearby river
happened to see some celestial Devas playing. Since her attention was distracted,
it became too late when she returned with the water required. Jamadagni
got angry and asked his sons to behead her. But, none would carry out his
commands. Then entered PARASU RAMA when his father ordered him to behead
not only Renuka but also his brothers. Without hesitation, PARASU RAMA
carried out the orders. Pleased, the father asked what boons he wanted.
All that PARASU RAMA wanted was that his mother and brothers should
come alive and be oblivious of whatever had happened. Jamadagni granted
the boon and they did come alive and life was again peaceful at the hermitage.
But, not for long.
Kaarthaveerya's sons stormed the hermitage to avenge the death of their
father Only Jamadagni and Renuka were there at that time, Ignoring the
pleadings of Renuka, they cut off the head of Jamadagni who was deep in
meditation. Renuka was beside with grief and was crying aloud as PARASU
RAMA returned. She beat her breast 21 times. PARASU RAMA vowed that he
would wipe out 21 generations of Kshatriyas and proceeded to do the
`Samskaras' for his father. Jamadagni gained the realm of the seven Rishis
(Saptarishi mandalam). PARASU RAMA carried out his vow, wrested the land
and properties of Kshatriyas and finally gave them away to sage KASYAPA
and retired to the southwest corner of India. Swami Sri Vedanta Desika
describes him as 'ROSHA RAMA' (Indignant Rama)
When, Parasu Rama confronted Dasaratha who was returning from Mithila
after the wedding of Rama and Sita, RAMA the AVATAR took back all the powers
of PARASURAMA since the purpose of PARASURAMA AVATAR was completed.
Parasurama threw his axe into the western ocean. The ocean receded
upto the point where the axe fell and the land so reclaimed is known as
Parasurama Kshetram. Scholars say that modern Kerala is this Kshetram.
This Avatar is not a direct Avatar. Lord Vishnu entered the soul of
a Brahmin son of Jamadagni (By Avesa or Anupravesa). Of the 10 Avatars,
except Parasurama avatar all the others are Amsa avatars (i.e.) Direct
descent of Lord Vishnu
COMMENTS:
1. We can find shells called “Kilinjals” in Kerala even today to substantiate
this event.
2. It may be noted that in the entire Stotra, this is the only one
having some details of the story.
3. Abhramanyam apaakarothu: = This is the shrill call usually signaled
whenever anything was noticed against the SAtvika Brahmins in those days.
Amaram says-
“Abhrahmanyam avadhyokthaih”
4. This story shows that gifting landed property (Bhoo daanam) was
the greatest gift.
5. It also shows that Brahmins are born not only take Daanam but they
also give Daanam.
6. Yet another lesson is that one should not desire to stay on land
already gifted away.
7. Sam tharpayishyan = This refers “Tarpanam” made with blood (Kurudhi
Tarpanam)
8. Tris sapta krutva = 3 x 7= 21 times his mother beat her breasts
and he vowed to destroy 21 generations of Kshatriyas.
9. Bhagavaan Munih = Nowhere else has this peculiar expression of “Muni”
employed. Why? To denote that this was not a Poorna Avatara but only an
AavEsa Avatara, in which the Lord entered the soul of a Muni.
10. In 12th Sloka, SD refers to this Avatara as “ROsha Rama”. “ROsham”
does not mean mere anger but the spirit of revenge for injustice, which
is a natural instinctive response of a Kshatriya. As will be seen from
the story, though he was born in a Brahmin household, due to some circumstances,
he acquired the characteristics of a Kshatriya.
“DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA “SRI RAMA
AVATARAM”
(RAMA WITH THE BOW) (The Prince charming-the personification
of righteousness)
SLOKAM 8
paaraavaara payO visOshaNa paareeNa kalaanala –
jwaalaajaala vihaara haari visika vyaapaara gOra kramah /
sarvaavastha sakruth prapanna janathaa samrakshaNaika vrathee
dharmO vigrahavaan adharma virtheem dhanvee sa thanveetha na: //
MEANING:
“ He can, with His bow and arrows wreak havoc on everything and dry
up the vast bodiess of waters of great oceans like the fierce fire-force
of deluge.
His valor is incomparable and unsurpassed. Yet, His compassion is so
great that if one were to surrender at His feet for once, He has vowed
to afford protection as a matter of principle and policy, whatever the
circumstances, even at the risk of His own life! Let that Lord Rama, the
wielder of the mighty bow, the Greatest of heroes and who is Dharma personified,
save us”
BACKGROUND STORY
As most of our readers would be aware of the story of Ramayana, we
do not propose to retell the story except to highlight some little known
aspects in the well-known story.
COMMENTS:
1. It may be noted that there is no mention of Ravana in this Sloka.
2. In the first 2 lines, the valor of Rama is spoken of to show His
“Paratvam” with reference to the power of His bow (Dhanvee). Since this
word pairs with “Thanveetha” (Protect), Swami Desika seems to suggest that
He could protect because of the prowess of his Dhanus (bow)
3. In the next 2 lines, His compassion gets mentioned to show His “Soulabhyam”
in protecting anyone who surrenders to Him. That is why, SD calls Him (personification
of Dharma)“ Vigrahavaan Dharma:” and “adharma virathi” (destroyer of evil)
the twin objectives of Avatara Rahasyam.
4. There is a misconception about Rama worshipping Siva in Rameswaram.
This is NOT mentioned in Srimad Vaalmiki Ramayanam nor in Kamba Ramayanam.
It is Tulasidas who imaginatively introduced this in his “Rama Charita
Manas”
5. Another instance of an incorrect interpretation which people make
relates to the pious lady SABARI. The popular notion is that she bit the
fruits and saved the good ones bearing her spittle for offering to Sri
Rama. This is not correct. All she did was to taste a sample of fruit from
each tree in her garden and throw away the bitten one but left the other
fruits to remain on the same tree, provided the one she had tasted, tasted
good. This is because Sabari knew that it would amount to defilement to
offer to the Lord the remains of anything that she had partaken earlier
6. The incident in which Sri Rama is said to surrender to the Ocean
King that went futile shows that only surrender by a weaker person to a
capable person will be fruitful and the reverse will be in vain. Rama had
both
Sakti, Veeryam etc unlike the Ocean king.
7. Sakruth Prapanna Janathaa = indicates that Prapatti is the ONLY
sure means for Moksha- a cardinal concept in our Sampradayam.
8. RAVANA was the brother of KUBERA. He became so powerful that he
even made the nine planets to be the steps leading to his throne. Because
he attempted to rape RAMBHA, the wife of NALAKUBARA (son of Kubera), she
cursed that Ravana's head would be smashed into smithereens if he attempted
to rape any woman. Incidentally, that is why he did not force Sri Sita
when he abducted her.
9. The most important aspect of Ramayana is the vow of Sri Rama to
protect those who surrender unto him. Sri Swami Desikan has aptly described
this `Quality of mercy' of the Lord referring to Rama as "KARUNA KAKUTSTHA".
He
is “Compassion incarnate”. No other event in the entire Ramayanam t
brings out this aspect more than the “Kaakaasura” incident in which Indra’s
son took the form of a crow and tormented Sri Sita. When King Raghu went
to help Indra in a war against Asuras, he did so on condition that he would
ride on the hump of a bull and Indra was to act as the bull. “Kakuth” means
hump of a bull. Remembering that some ancestor of the Crow (Indra) helped
some ancestor of his own; Rama took compassion on the crow and spared its
life, taking away only one its eyes.
10. In the hermitage of SUDEEKSHANA, Rama says to Sita that he would
not mind laying down his life or deserting both her and Lakshmana but he
would never give up his vow to protect those who surrender to him even
if it be
his arch enemy, RAVANA.
11. He vowed also that He would treat anyone who created trouble for
the Satvic Rishis as His own enemies. So, it is for this reason that He
killed the Asuras even though they did no harm to Him personally
12. Nammazhwar asks, "Will any one who desires to learn, learn anything
other than Rama?” "KARPAR RAMPIRANAI ALLAL MARRUM KARPARO". Why? Because,
Rama is fills the minds of anyone who thinks of Him.
13. ANDAL who commenced eulogizing Lord Krishna in her Tiruppavai calls
Lord Rama as “manathukku iniyaan”. This is because she reminds Krishna
how as Rama the Lord took so much pains to build a bridge, take a whole
battalion of vaanaraas, fight fiercely and destroy Ravana and his army.
All for the sake of one woman, Sri Sita!She seems to have a dig at Krishna
whether he would not take a leaf of lesson from this incident, in the case
of the multitude of Gopis who were pining only for His love and affection!
14. The very word Rama is derived from the statement “ramayathi ithi
Raamah
15. Swami Desika has written in the Gadya style a great work entitled
"MAHAVEERA VAIBAVAM" otherwise known as `RAGHUVEERA GADYAM' in lucid style
bringing out the glory of Ramayana.
16. This is a PURNA AVATAR (Complete incarnation) of Mahavishnu himself,
Lakshmana that of Adhisesha (couch) Satrugna the aspect of Panchajanya
(conch) and Bharatha the aspect of Sudarsana (Chakra).
17. Compassion is also an aspect of the Lord’s leela.
DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA “SRI BALARAMA AVATARAM” (RAMA WITH THE PLOUGH)
SLOKAM 9:
Pakkath Kowrava paTTaNa prabruthaya: praastha pralambaadaya:
Thaalaankasya tathaa vidhaa vihruthayas thanvanthu bhadraaNi na: /
Ksheeram Sarkara yEva yaabhir apruthak boothaa: prabhoothair guNai:
Aa-kowmaarakam aswadantha jagathE krishNasya thaa: kELaya: //
MEANING:
“May the exploits of Sri Balarama like his turning upside down Hastinaapura,
the capital of the Kauravas, his wiping out the Rakshasas like Pralambasura
do us all the good. Right from childhood, Balarama was inseparably involved
in the sporting activities of Sri Krishna making them more enjoyable, like
the inseparable sugar dissolved in milk therby heightening its taste.”
BACKGROUND STORY:
This Avatar and that of Sri KRISHNA happened in Dvaparyuga. Vasudeva's
first wife was Rohini. The second wife was Devaki. For the seventh time
Devaki conceived and it was Balarama. But, Lord through His `Yogamaya'
had the fetus transferred from the womb of Devaki to that of Rohini. Balarama
was the aspect of Adisesha, just as Lakshmana was in Ramaavatara.
Balarama was fair in color and he had a palm tree inscribed on his
flagstaff. Balarama's weapon was the Hala (plough).
SWAMI SRI DESIKA calls him HELAHALIN - One who wields the plough as
his weapon. BALARAMA married REVATI, daughter of Raivata. He killed `RUKMI'
brother of Rukmini when he exceeded his limits in his misbehavior. Once
he dragged the entire HASTINAPURA with his plough when the Kauravas refused
to free SAMBHAN son of JAMBAVATI (one of the wives of Krishna). When the
Kauravas surrendered he also released Hastinaapura.
During the Mahabharata war he did not join either Kauravas or PaaNDavas
but left on a pilgrimage along with VIDHURA because both sides were his
close relatives.
After the destruction of the Yadhavas, he took his serpent form, entered
the sea and disappeared. Some scholars say that BALARAMA AVATAR was not
a PURNA AVATAR.
COMMENTS:
1. There is a Slokam, which says that the same Adhisesha of Krita yuga
took the form of Lakshmana during Treta yuga, Balarama in Dwapara Yuga,
and Bhagavad Ramanuja in Kaliyuga.
Anantha: prathamam roopam Lakshmanasthu tatha: param/
TriteeyO Balabadras thu Kalou Raamaanuja Smritah//
2. ANDAL calls him “Sempor kazhal aDi selvaa, baladEvaa” The reason
for this is explained by Poorvacharyas as follows:
All the earlier babies born to Devaki met with death. It was only because
of the conception of Balarama in Devaki’s womb immediately before His own
that a kind of protection arose so that when KrishNa was born he could
survive and have a safe passage too!
3. Some substitute Buddha in the place of Balarama. This is not correct
and Buddha is NOT recognized as one of the 10 main Avataras. In Mahabaratham
Santhi Parva (46.107) Bhishma tells that Krishna would take the form of
an
auxiliary Avatara as “Aadhi Buddha” and mislead the non- believers.
This “Aadhi Buddha” is different from the Siddartha Goutama Buddha of historical
fame.
4. Balarama is also considered to be the reincarnation of “Samkarshana”,
the first of the 4 the Vyuha murthis next only to Paravaasudeva. Patanjali
in his Mahabashyam refers to this aspect when he says ‘Samkarshana-Vaasudevou”
5. Praastha Pralambaadhaya: thathaa vidhaa: vihrutayah = That he did
so many feats along with Krishna is indicated by this “aadhaya:”
6. Aa-koumarakam = from childhood days
7. Ksheeram Sarkarayaa iva apruthak bhoothaah = Krishna and Balarama
were always together like milk and sugar mixed
8. In 12th Sloka, SD calls him “Helaahalin” – The plough was both for
fun (leela) and as weapon. Wielding weapon was itself a leela.
DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA “SRI KRISHNA AVATARAM”
SLOKAM 10:
Naathayaiva namaH padam bhavathu nas chitrai: charitra kramai:
BhooyObhi: bhuvanani amooni kuhanaa gOpaaya gOpaayatE /
KaaLindhee rasikaaya kaaLiya paNi spaara spaTaa vaatikaa
Ranga utsanga visanka chankrama dhuraa paryaaya charyaa: yathE //
MEANING:
“ Let our obeisance be only for the Supreme Lord KrishNa
- who protects the world with His most wonderful acts
- who enjoys and relishes His association with the river Yamuna
- who performed a dance fearlessly making the broad hoods of the KaaLinga
serpent as His stage and
- who accomplished numerous such impossible but
- who nevertheless disguised Himself the garb of a simple cow-herd”
BACKGROUND STORY:
As in the case of RAMA AVATAR, most of our readers would be familiar
with the story of Krishna, his childhood pranks and exploits and his role
as GEETHACHARYA at the battlefield of KURUKSHETRA. We do not propose to
give the details of this AVATAR. We, however, highlight some of the less
known aspects of this well-known AVATAR.
COMMENTS:
1. Do you know who is the most favorite Avatara for Swami Desika? He
answers this question saying “My obeisance is ONLY for Krishna” -“Naathayaiva
namah padam bhavathu”
2. As in the case of other Avataras, SD mentions only the Kaalinga
narthana incident and says” Numerous such other feats” (Dhuryaa Paryaaya
charyaa yathE’. What is the big deal about this? Krishna’s favorite playground
was
the banks of river Yamuna. The way the small kid jumped on the hoods
of the ferocious multi-headed serpent and what is more danced on it brings
out the Paratvam and Soulabhyam of the Lord all at once. This incident
also brought forth the intimate nexus between Naataka (drama) and Naatya
(Dance). It is said that in Krishnavatara, there are 700 varieties of leelas
and 7 kinds of dances, one of which is this Chaaree nrithyam
3. One of the popular notions about the lifting of the GOVARDHAN mountain
is that Sri Krishna was holding it as a pyramid with his little finger
at the base. According to Bhagavatha Purana, this is not so. He made of
the mountain an inverted pyramid and was holding the mountain's tip by
his little finger.
4. Another aspect of Lord Krishna, which draws lot of criticism, is
about the episode in which he concealed the dresses of the Gopis sitting
on top of a tree and asking them to come out of the river in the nude.
These critics read too much into this and try to impute motives imagining
him to be a vile youth. This is not correct. It should be remembered
that this episode happened when he was an adolescent and constituted a
childhood prank as indeed so many other pranks played by him at that age.
And, Bhaagavata PuraaNa explains that this reminded the Gopis that they
should not bathe totally naked as such bathing is prohibited in the Sastras.
5. "As for young Krishna's erotic exploits that have been the subject
of much of the romantic literature, a discerning critic would recognize
a faint but definite religious element ..... Invariably, however, the love
of God for the cowherds' wives is interpreted as symbolic of the love of
God for the human soul. The notes of Krishna's flute, calling the women
to leave their husbands' beds and dance with him in the moonlight, represent
the voice of God, calling man to leave earthly things and turn to the joys
of divine love. So Jews and Christians alike have interpreted the 'Song
of Songs' and so many mystical poets of all religions have depicted their
spiritual experience. Despite its luxuriant eroticism, the legend of the
divine cowherd produced great religious poetry and inspired many pious
souls"
6. "In a story often cited, 60,000 sages wanted to become united with
Vishnu in his incarnation as Rama. Rama tells the sages that he cannot
oblige them in his present role, for as Rama he is sworn to monogamy. But
he will oblige them in his next incarnation as Krishna; the sages can all
be reborn as cowherd women (Gopis) and unite with him in love. In this
view, all devotees are felt to be feminine; the Lord is the supreme male-
the lover"
7. " Vishnu, in his incarnation as Krishna, is above all, a God of
love and the ideal becomes intimate union and communion with the incarnate
God, both in His timeless essence and in His ceaseless beneficent activity
in the world of action. After the Gita, popular Hinduism becomes predominantly
a religion of love"
8. It is asked by some that if Krishna himself could indulge
in such erotic orgies, what is wrong if we do the same thing. As Krishna
himself has said that what great people do, others would follow and Krishna's
activities with the Gopis would seem to confer a license of sorts for others
to follow. Lord Krishna himself advises "What great men do, others less
endowed or less evolved would follow their example"
9. And again he explains why he is carrying out his duties: 'If I do
not carry out my duties, even those desirous of following their Dharmic
duties will give them up following my example and I will be responsible
for spoiling them. That is why even though I as Bhagavaan need not
be bound by formalities laid for humans, I do observe them'
10. His marrying Rukmini and Satyabhama, his amorous pranks with Radha
and the Gopis - all happened during his boyhood days. It should be remembered
that in those eras, child marriage was the order of the day and it is not
correct to impute any sexual misdemeanor either to Krishna or to his
partners.
11. Also, we have to understand that Krishna's union with the
Gopis was not on base, blase, banal, physical level but on a sublime, spiritual,
platonic plane with none of the carnal inhibitions which we in our limited,
myopic perception would like to associate with. Also, even granting just
for the sake of argument that the union was of the kind we have ' in our
mind', we can also imitate him provided we are capable of imitating all
other acts of his like sucking life out of the breasts of Puthanai, the
demoness, or lifting on the little finger the huge mountain of Govardhan,
or dancing on the hoods of the hydra-headed serpent Kaalinga or proclaiming
such lofty themes like Bhagavad Gita or even following them at the least.
So long as we cannot even imagine doing such miracles, we have no right
to question the deeds of Krishna from a mere mundane level.
12. In our own times, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa while walking on the
road with one of his disciples stopped to drink some liquor on a wayside
grove. The disciple thought that he could also do the same. After sometime,
they found molten iron in the boiling cauldron of a blacksmith. Without
any hesitation, Ramakrishna drank of the liquid as easily as one would
gulp down water. The disciple realized that he could not repeat the feat.
The moral is that we should follow what great people advise and not try
to do what they do.
13. We hear of Krishna right up to his boyhood days. There is a big
gap in the story of his life until he reappears on the scene as the friend,
philosopher and guide of the Paandava princes by which time he was past
40 years of age. It is then that he went as a messenger of Paandavas, joined
the Paandavas in their battle against the Kauravas and preached the gospel
of BHAGAVAD GITA to Arjuna.
14. The name of Christ resembles that of Krishna. Except for the birth
of Christ in Bethlehem, nothing was known about his boyhood days. All his
exploits, encounters etc. took place during this period and unto about
40 years of age when he was crucified- the interregnum significantly obscure
in the life history of Sri Krishna. Some scholars are tempted to believe
that Krishna it was who appeared as Christ and on resurrection reappeared
as the friend, philosopher and guide of the Paandava princes. They adduce
another similarity like both being born in humble surroundings like prison
and the cattle shed and like Krishna tending cows and Christ tending sheep
- the belief is reinforced. This cannot be correct because Lord Krishna
was in the Dvapara Yuga some 6000 years back, while Jesus Christ lived
less than 2000 years back and the belief is definitely baseless and represents
a pathetic belabored attempt to integrate the two religions.
15. Almost all the ALWARS had enjoyed the innumerable episodes in the
life of Lord Krishna. Swami Vedanta Desika calls him "KREEDA VALLABHA"
to show that his impossible feats and the miracles were done as if in a
sport. The
magnum opus is his Bhagavad Gita that stands supreme as the essence
of Hindu Philosophy and accepted as such the world over.
DASAVATHARA STOTRAM - SRI KALKI AVATARAM
SLOKAM 11
Bhavinyaa dasayaa bhavan iha bhava dvamsaaya na: kalpathaam
Kalkee vishNuyasa: sutha: kali kathaa kaalushya koolankasha: /
Nis sesha kashtaha kanTakE kshithi thalE dharaa jaloughair dhruvam
Dharmam kaartha yugam prarOhayathi yath nistrimsa dhaaraadhara: //
MEANING:
“The Lord who presents Himself to us now in Archaa form is sure to
reappear later on in the form of Kalki, being born as the son of a Brahmin
called VishNuyasas. To put an end to the present calamitous Yuga, with
a blazing sword on hand and riding a horse, He will exterminate all evil,
re-establish Dharma and make the golden age spring forth again as if watered
by His compassion. May He get rid of our pangs of Samsaara”
BACKGROUND STORY:
As his is the apocalyptic incarnation, no background story is available.
Yet, this is the only Avataaram described by Swami Desika with some detail
like the name of Lord’s father as “VishNuyasas”.
COMMENTS:
KALKI AVATAR (The Apocalyptic Redeemer)
1. The Avataras mentioned earlier happened in the earlier yugas. This
Avataara is expected to take place at the fag end of Kaliyuga. The present
Yuga is KALIYUGA.
2. After Lord Krishna’s ascent to Paramapadam at the end of Dvapra
Yuga, evil forces started raise their ugly head. Vishnu Puraana gives a
graphic account of how evil forces would attain supremacy and virtuous
people would
suffer.
3. We are said to be in the 5102nd year (as of 2001-2002) out of the
total of 432,000 years of the KALIYUGA. The Kali Yuga is said to
come to and end after 426,898 years. During this period, the evil forces
would progressively gain control and destroy all good ones by the time
Kaliyuga comes to a close.
4. BRAHMA is believed to have told NARADA about all the Avatars including
the apocalyptic KALKI AVATAR.
5. According to Puranas, when the evil becomes unbearable, Lord Vishnu
will be born in a village called 'SAMBALAM' on the banks of Ganges as the
son of a Brahmin couple called VISHNUYASAS and SUMATHI.
6. He will be riding a white horse called “kalkam (karkam) and wielding
a sharp sword will traverse the entire Universe in three nights weeding
out all evil forces and establishing a Krita yuga back again -thus being
the harbinger of the 'Golden Age' on earth.
7. May the Lord who now appears to us in Archaa form and who is going
to take this form of Kalki put an end to our cycle of births and deaths
in Samsaara.
8. Kalikathaa kaalushya koolankasha: refers to the destruction of evil
9. Dharmam Kaarthayugam refers to the establishment and revival of
Dharma
10. “Nistrimsa dhaaraadhara:” is suggestive of the gushing waters of
Ganga (also known as “Tripathaka” due to its fanning and flowing out as
Ganga proper, Jamuna and the subterranean Saraswathi rivers)
11. Swami Vedanta Desika describes him as 'KALKAVAHANA DASA KALKIN',
meaning “Kakin seen as riding on the horse named Kalka”.The leelas mentioned
in this are horse riding, sward wielding etc.
DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA- “PHALA SRUTHI”
SLOKAM 13:
vidhyO udanvathi vEnkaTEswara Kavou jaatham jagan mangaLam
dEvEsasya dasaavataara vishayam stOtram vivakshEtha yah /
vaktrE thasya saraswaththee bahumukhee bhakti: paraa maanasE
suddhi: kaapai thanou disaasu dasasu khyaathi: subhaa jrumbathE //
MEANING:
“ Let me tell you what one can acquire on reciting this StOtram in
praise of the 10 Avataras of the Lord of Lords, Sri Tiruvarangan that arose
from the great poet VEnkatEswara, a veritable Ocean of knowledge. This
StOtram is intended to bring welfare of the entire world (Jagan MangaLam)
Even if one were to THINK of reciting this StOtram -
1. Goddess of learning, Saraswathi, will bless such a person’s tongue
in a variety of ways.
2. Such a person will develop in mind an extraordinary devotion to
the Lord
3. Such a person will acquire even physical purity and
4. Such a person’s fame will spread far and wide in all the 10 directions
of the world.
COMMENTS:
13th SLOKA: PHALASRUTHI:
This is a peculiar Phalasruthi in many ways.
1. Devesasya = It reiterates that it is the Supreme Lord Narayana who
took all these Avataras “Thum Devathaanaam Param cha Deivatham” He
is the Lord of Lords.
2. Jagan mangalam is the name of a herb which arose at the time of
the churning of the milky ocean deemed to be very efficacious, if one were
to wear a small piece of it.
3. Jaganmangalam: This Stotra will bring bliss to the entire world.
How and why?
There are some Mantra Sabdas (sounds) and Mantra syllables (Mantra
aksharas) that all and sundry are normally not allowed to recite. But,
Swami Desika has fine tuned and integrated them in this StOtra in such
a way that anyone
can recite and secure the same benefits that the original Mantra Sabdas
and Mantra aksharas would confer.
4. VivakshEtha = is very significant. In the previous Sloka (12),
Swami used the word “Jalpantha:” This word literally means “Prattling”.
The idea is that it is not absolutely necessary to know the meanings of
the words like the scholars do. But, even the illiterate and the uneducated
who may not be able to grasp the import of the StOtra can derive the benefits
out of this StOtra, by merely “prattling” what little they could!5. In
this Sloka, Swami uses the word “VivakshEtah”. He goes one step further
to emphasize that even if one were to “DESIRE” to recite, let alone ACTUALLY
RECITING or even PRATTLING as stated in the previous Sloka, this Stotra
is sure to confer all the benefits it can.
6. It indirectly suggests that even children who cannot recite or cannot
do so with the correct pronunciation can be initiated into the recitation.
The very DESIRE to do so would assure them of the results.
7. What benefits can this Stotra confer?
(i) VaktrE Tasya Saraswathi Bhaumukhee :
The Goddess of learning will embellish speech and make one proficient
with the “gift of the gab”.
(ii) Bakthi: Paraa MaanasE
Devotion of the highest caliber in the mind.
(iii) Suddhi: kaapi thanou :
Spiritual purification of the soul and even physical cleanliness.Purification
of soul is beyond our comprehension. But,how physical cleanliness that
can be had only be bathing can be secured?There are seven kinds of Snaanams
mentioned in the scriptures viz Aagneya, Bhowma, Divya, Mantra, Maanaseeka,
Vaayavya and Vaaruna. This is a kind of Snaanam known as “Maanaseeka Snaanam”,
one of the above seven, which is prescribed in special circumstances when
one is not able to take bath with water.
(iv) Disau Dasasu Khyaathi Subhaa jrumbathE :
Fame of such a person will grow and spread in all the 10 directions.When
describing Vaamana Avataara, Swami said that the fame of Emperor Mahaabali
spread over only the 8 directions (ashtasu disaa).Here, however, he says
that the fame of the person desiring to recite the StOtra will spread to
10 directions. May be, because the Stotra is on the 10 Avataras! (disosu
dasasu)
Compiled from Archeives of Sri Ranga Sri yahoo group.Please subscribe
to this group by sending a mail to srirangasri@yahoogroups.com.
Dasan venkat.
“DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA - “SRI KRISHNA AVATARAM” by Anbil Ramaswamy
SLOKAM 10:
Naathayaiva namaH padam bhavathu nas chitrai: charitra kramai:
BhooyObhi: bhuvanani amooni kuhanaa gOpaaya gOpaayatE /
KaaLindhee rasikaaya kaaLiya paNi spaara spaTaa vaatikaa
Ranga utsanga visanka chankrama dhuraa paryaaya charyaa: yathE //
MEANING:
“ Let our obeisance be only for the Supreme Lord KrishNa
- who protects the world with His most wonderful acts
- who enjoys and relishes His association with the river Yamuna
- who performed a dance fearlessly making the broad hoods of the KaaLinga
serpent as His stage and
- who accomplished numerous such impossible but
- who nevertheless disguised Himself the garb of a simple cow-herd”
BACKGROUND STORY:
As in the case of RAMA AVATAR, most of our readers would be familiar
with the story of Krishna, his childhood pranks and exploits and his role
as GEETHACHARYA at the battlefield of KURUKSHETRA. We do not propose to
give the details of this AVATAR. We, however, highlight some of the less
known aspects of this well-known AVATAR.
COMMENTS:
1. Do you know who is the most favorite Avatara for Swami Desika? He answers this question saying “My obeisance is ONLY for Krishna” -“Naathayaiva namah padam bhavathu”
2. As in the case of other Avataras, SD mentions only the Kaalinga narthana incident and says” Numerous such other feats” (Dhuryaa Paryaaya charyaa yathE’. What is the big deal about this? Krishna’s favorite playground was the banks of river Yamuna. The way the small kid jumped on the hoods of the ferocious multi-headed serpent and what is more danced on it brings out the Paratvam and Soulabhyam of the Lord all at once. This incident also brought forth the intimate nexus between Naataka (drama) and Naatya (Dance). It is said that in Krishnavatara, there are 700 varieties of leelas and 7 kinds of dances, one of which is this Chaaree nrithyam
3. One of the popular notions about the lifting of the GOVARDHAN mountain is that Sri Krishna was holding it as a pyramid with his little finger at the base. According to Bhagavatha Purana, this is not so. He made of the mountain an inverted pyramid and was holding the mountain's tip by his little finger.
4. Another aspect of Lord Krishna, which draws lot of criticism, is about the episode in which he concealed the dresses of the Gopis sitting on top of a tree and asking them to come out of the river in the nude. These critics read too much into this and try to impute motives imagining him to be a vile youth. This is not correct. It should be remembered that this episode happened when he was an adolescent and constituted a childhood prank as indeed so many other pranks played by him at that age. And, Bhaagavata PuraaNa explains that this reminded the Gopis that they should not bathe totally naked as such bathing is prohibited in the Sastras.
5. "As for young Krishna's erotic exploits that have been the subject of much of the romantic literature, a discerning critic would recognize a faint but definite religious element ..... Invariably, however, the love of God for the cowherds' wives is interpreted as symbolic of the love of God for the human soul. The notes of Krishna's flute, calling the women to leave their husbands' beds and dance with him in the moonlight, represent the voice of God, calling man to leave earthly things and turn to the joys of divine love. So Jews and Christians alike have interpreted the 'Song of Songs' and so many mystical poets of all religions have depicted their spiritual experience. Despite its luxuriant eroticism, the legend of the divine cowherd produced great religious poetry and inspired many pious souls"
6. "In a story often cited, 60,000 sages wanted to become united with Vishnu in his incarnation as Rama. Rama tells the sages that he cannot oblige them in his present role, for as Rama he is sworn to monogamy. But he will oblige them in his next incarnation as Krishna; the sages can all be reborn as cowherd women (Gopis) and unite with him in love. In this view, all devotees are felt to be feminine; the Lord is the supreme male- the lover"7. " Vishnu, in his incarnation as Krishna, is above all, a God of love and the ideal becomes intimate union and communion with the incarnate God, both in His timeless essence and in His ceaseless beneficent activity in the world of action. After the Gita, popular Hinduism becomes predominantly a religion of love"
8. It is asked by some that if Krishna himself could indulge in such erotic orgies, what is wrong if we do the same thing. As Krishna himself has said that what great people do, others would follow and Krishna's activities with the Gopis would seem to confer a license of sorts for others to follow. Lord Krishna himself advises "What great men do, others less endowed or less evolved would follow their example"
9. And again he explains why he is carrying out his duties: 'If I do not carry out my duties, even those desirous of following their Dharmic duties will give them up following my example and I will be responsible for spoiling them. That is why even though I as Bhagavaan need not be bound by formalities laid for humans, I do observe them'
10. His marrying Rukmini and Satyabhama, his amorous pranks with Radha and the Gopis - all happened during his boyhood days. It should be remembered that in those eras, child marriage was the order of the day and it is not correct to impute any sexual misdemeanor either to Krishna or to his partners.
11. Also, we have to understand that Krishna's union with the Gopis was not on base, blase, banal, physical level but on a sublime, spiritual, platonic plane with none of the carnal inhibitions which we in our limited, myopic perception would like to associate with. Also, even granting just for the sake of argument that the union was of the kind we have ' in our mind', we can also imitate him provided we are capable of imitating all other acts of his like sucking life out of the breasts of Puthanai, the demoness, or lifting on the little finger the huge mountain of Govardhan, or dancing on the hoods of the hydra-headed serpent Kaalinga or proclaiming such lofty themes like Bhagavad Gita or even following them at the least. So long as we cannot even imagine doing such miracles, we have no right to question the deeds of Krishna from a mere mundane level.
12. In our own times, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa while walking on the road with one of his disciples stopped to drink some liquor on a wayside grove. The disciple thought that he could also do the same. After sometime, they found molten iron in the boiling cauldron of a blacksmith. Without any hesitation, Ramakrishna drank of the liquid as easily as one would gulp down water. The disciple realized that he could not repeat the feat. The moral is that we should follow what great people advise and not try to do what they do.
13. We hear of Krishna right up to his boyhood days. There is a big gap in the story of his life until he reappears on the scene as the friend, philosopher and guide of the Paandava princes by which time he was past 40 years of age. It is then that he went as a messenger of Paandavas, joined the Paandavas in their battle against the Kauravas and preached the gospel of BHAGAVAD GITA to Arjuna.
14. The name of Christ resembles that of Krishna. Except for the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, nothing was known about his boyhood days. All his exploits, encounters etc. took place during this period and unto about 40 years of age when he was crucified- the interregnum significantly obscure in the life history of Sri Krishna. Some scholars are tempted to believe that Krishna it was who appeared as Christ and on resurrection reappeared as the friend, philosopher and guide of the Paandava princes. They adduce another similarity like both being born in humble surroundings like prison and the cattle shed and like Krishna tending cows and Christ tending sheep - the belief is reinforced. This cannot be correct because Lord Krishna was in the Dvapara Yuga some 6000 years back, while Jesus Christ lived less than 2000 years back and the belief is definitely baseless and represents a pathetic belabored attempt to integrate the two religions.
15. Almost all the ALWARS had enjoyed the innumerable episodes in the life of Lord Krishna. Swami Vedanta Desika calls him "KREEDA VALLABHA" to show that his impossible feats and the miracles were done as if in a sport. The magnum opus is his Bhagavad Gita that stands supreme as the essence of Hindu Philosophy and accepted as such the world over.
“DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA”- MATSYA AVATAARAM.
“nirmagna sruthi jaala maargaNa dasaa dathakshaNair veekshaNai:
antha: thanvadhiva aravinda gahanaan oudanvatheenaam apaam /
nishprathyooha tharanga ringaNa mitha: prathyooDa paatha: chaDaa
Dola AarOha sadOhaLam bhagavatha: maatsyam vapu: paathu na: //” 2
MEANING:
“The Lord dived into the ocean in the form of a fish searched with
His lotus eyes, rapidly viewing on all directions creating an illusion
of lotus flowers blossoming everywhere - all in search of the Vedas that
had been stolen by an Asura. The ebb and flow of the waves of the Ocean
seemed to be a swinging cradle that soothed and almost lulled Him into
a comfortable reverie. May this Lord of “Matsya Avataara” protect us”
BACKGROUND STORY:
It will be noticed that Swami Desika does not dwell at length on the
story behind the scene in His drama. In some cases, he gives just a hint
and in others he leaves it to the imagination of the readers. For the information
of those not familiar with the story part, we give the background for a
better appreciation of the Avatara Rahasyam and Swami Desika’s composition.
STORY OF MATSYA AVATAARAM
At the end of one of the Kalpas, after a day's strenuous work, as nightfall
was approaching Brahma felt sleepy. As his eyelids closed and his mouth
opened involuntarily for a yawn the Vedas slipped out of his mouth without
his noticing. But a demon by name Hayagriva did not fail to notice this
and hurried to devour the Vedas. Sri Vishnu who is all pervading and omniscient
observed this and decided to retrieve the Vedas and restore them to Brahma
to enable him to go ahead with his work of creation during the next Kalpa
(day break).
While Sri Vishnu could have wrested the Vedas from the demon by his sheer will-power (Sankalpa), he chose to wait for performing a two-in-one feat of conferring his blessings on a Bhakta, SATYAVRATA by name while destroying the demon. As the deluge (Pralaya) was near at hand, he decided to descend `down to earth' in the form of a `fish' to accomplish both the tasks.
Satya Vrata was a great and good King. Once he went to the river KRITAMALA for offering water (Argya) during Sandya vandana. A small fish came into his hands as he cupped his palms to lift water. He dropped it back in the water. But every time he lifted water the fish was sure to get into his hands. The King left it in a tub but it grew so fast that the tub could not hold it.
The king transferred into a well, pond, lake, river and finally the sea as it overgrew so rapidly that none of them could contain it. Satyavrata was amazed, when the fish revealed himself as Lord VISHNU. When the Lord asked the king what he wanted, he did not desire anything for himself. He did not even want Moksha. All that he sought was that even during the impending Pralaya, he should be instrumental in saving the life of worthy souls from destruction.
The fish told him that on the 7th day from then a great deluge (Mahapralaya) would take place when a severe tornado would rip through the Universe and destroy it. But, if Satyavrata could muster herbs, seeds and a pick of beings he wanted for the next Kalpa and keep ready, the fish would send a spacious boat in which all of them as also the Saptarishis (7 sages) would be accommodated and saved. The fish advised that Vasuki, the serpent should be brought and used as a rope for fastening the boat to the horns of the fish. Satyavrata did exactly as advised by the fish and the entire crew was saved. As the boat sailed throughout the night of Brahma, Lord Vishnu taught Satyavrata and the Saptarishis what is known as “Matsya Purana.”. Thus, Vishnu saved true devotees from destruction and endowed them with divine knowledge. During the 7 day waiting period the Lord in his gigantic fish form sought after the demon Hayagriva, killed him in a straight fight and retrieved the Vedas.
Thus, He accomplished the three tasks of saving the righteous, destroying
the demon and retrieving Vedas for establishing Dharma. This SATYAVRATA
later became the Manu during Chakshusha Manvantara.
Swami Sri Vedanta Desika calls this Avatar as `ICHA MEENA' in his Dasavatara
Stotra to indicate that the Lord took the form of a fish by his desire
(Icha or Sankalpa)
COMMENTS:
1. Swami Desika makes no mention about this story. Since Leela rasam is the main focus, SD highlights the salient Rasa anubhavam. Here it is “Ichaa”- desire. What is His desire? Taking the form of a huge fish swimming in the waters of the ocean.
2. Nirmagna Sruti jaala = Vedas that were submerged under the waters
3. Maargana dasaa= in the act of searching
4. Datta kshanai Veekshanai = casts His magic spell through His glances. The ebb and flow of the waters during the forceful swimming of the fish serves as a swing for the Lord!
5. In His hurry to search for the Vedas, His glimpses wandered hither and thither swiftly. So, like a rotating fireball that seems to be everywhere, his lotus eyes were also seen everywhere.
6. Unlike in the picture drawn by Raja Ravi Varma with a half-fish and half-human, the figure depicted by SD shows the figure as a behemoth fish precisely as it is seen in the Archaamurthis in the Dasavatara Sannidhi in Srirangam.
7. A subtle dig at the Lord can also be seen in this description. SD seems to suggest that whatever form the Lord might take, the unique specialty of His (Pundarika aksha) lotus eyes could not be camouflaged! In Stotra Ratnam, the Acharya describes “Matsya kamala lochanam”, SD goes a step further to say that when His glances wherever they fell created the appearance of bunches of lotus flowers in full bloom.
8. Why this phenomenon? Because the Lord moved so fast, His eyes directed in all directions so swiftly that the underwater seemed to be all lotus flowers.
9. As fish is believed to nourish its little ones by its sheer glance and therefore, known never to bat its eyelids - the MATSYA Lord would save His devotees by his mere glance. The dirt that gets accumulated in beings who languish in the ocean of SAMSARA - is cleansed by MATSYA Lord’s very glance.
“DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA”- PART 5 VARAAHA AVATAARAM (Wild Boar) Anbil Ramaswamy
gOpaayEth anisam jaganthi kuhanaa pOthree pavithree kritha
brahmANDa: praLayOrmi gOsha gurubhir gONaaravai: gurguraih: /
yath dhamshtra ankura kOTi ghaaTa ghaTanaa nishkampa nitya sthithi:
brahma sthambham asoudasou bhagavathee mushEva visvambharaa // 4
MEANING:
“At the time of the great deluge, mother earth was wholly drowned under
the waters. The Lord took the form of a huge wild boar and diving deep
under the waters salvaged Her. At that time, He exhaled so heavily making
a roaring sound that purified the three worlds. The boar bore Mother earth
who bears the entire universe firmly on His horn as if She was a tuber
root stuck in it”.
STORY:
VARSHA AVATAR (Wild Boar)
The Maanasa putras of Brahma viz. Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanaatana and Sanatkumara visited the abode of SRI NARYANA. At the seventh entrance, the gate keepers, Jaya and Vijaya stopped them even though they had the right to meet with the Lord without prior appointment. Enraged at this, the RISHIS cursed them to be born in the world. The Lord appeared and approved of the curse but since they were repentant, modified the fiat by offering them to be born on three occasions as demons to be killed by himself in his three future Avatars after which they could re-enter the Kingdom of god.It is these Jaya and Vijaya who were born as Hinanya-aksha (Golden eyed) and Hiranya kasipu (Golden dressed) during the period of Varaaha and Nrisimha Avatars respectively; Ravana and Kumbakarna during Rama Avatar and Sisupala and Dantavaktra during Krishna Avatar and were killed by Lord Vishnu in the respective Avatars after which they ascended the Kingdom of God.
In the first case, they were born to the sage KASYAPA and his wife THITHI. It is believed that the disposition of progenies would be determined by the time the parents united for procreation purposes. And, they were born with demoniac traits as the couple united at an inauspicious time. The two demons developed a hostile attitude towards Lord Vishnu and when sage NARADA narrated a prognosis of the next Avatar of NRISIMHA, they vowed to hide the earth under Patala so that they could prevent the manifestation of the Lord on earth. They set about to conquer the Devas with their newfound power and started tormenting virtuous souls.
The Devas pleaded with Lord Vishnu, the protector and preserver of the Universe. He assured them that he would do the needful.
Brahma was meditating on the Lord, when a tiny boar emerged from one of his nostrils. Even as Brahma wondered what it was, the boar grew in size and became as big as a huge mountain with a roar that reverberated through the universe, it took a mighty leap into the air and plunged down into the ocean and reached the fathomless Patala where mother earth (Bhumi Devi) was kept concealed by the demons. Digging his tusk, the boar lifted Bhumidevi and held her secure in its horn.
Hiranyaksha was itching for a fight and when he confronted VARUNA, the latter pleaded inability to give a fight and suggested that he call Lord Vishnu who alone would be match for the demon. Hiranyaksha learned from Sage NARADA that Lord Vishnu had taken the form of a boar and was seeking to salvage mother earth from the hideout. Immediately, he rushed to charge the boar and hurled insults on the boar.
The boar, however, ignored all the taunts as it measured the earth with
one foot, in this Avatar, The Lord held the entire earth in His horn says
POIGAI ALWAR. THIRUMAZHISAI ALWAR calls the MAHAVARAHA MURTHY as GNANAPIRAN.
Other Alwars described him as BHUVARAHAN as the Lord lifted BHU DEVI and
ADHIVARAHAN since He is the primordial Iswara. It is believed that this
Avatar took place at the time of deluge ending the Padma kalpa. ANDAL praised
the Lord since out of his love for BHUMIDEVI, he did not mind plunging
into dirt and slime in order to retrieve her. To save devotees, he will
not hesitate to take even the lowliest of forms and the form of the boar
came only next to those of fish and tortoise. The same horn which tore
apart the demon, also held gently the mother earth.
Sri Swami Desikan in his Dasavatara stotra extols this avatar as `MAHA
POTRIN' referring to the gigantic size of the boar.
COMMENTS:
1. During the saving, Lord advised Bhudevi, which is known as “Varaaha Puraana”
2. Andal is none other than this Bhudevi reincarnated.
3. Tip of His single horn “Eka Sringhee Varaahas Tvam” says Ramayana.
4. Anisam: “without night” i.e. always, while in sleep and while awake. (Cf Sadaa pasyanthi Sooraya:) In the previous verse, the Lord is shown as being lulled into sleep. Here, He is shown as fully awake all through! Anisam can also be taken as Paramapadam where it is always bright (athi raatram uthamam ahar bhavathi)
5. Varaaha is NOT a country pig as popularly believed but a huge wild boar like a rhinoceros
6. Nish kampa nitya sthithi = Holding the ever revolving, ever rotating earth firm and steady. The modern scientific concept of earth rotating is brought out here.
7. Viswam bharaa = Bhu devi bore the massive earth; the Lord bore her. Can we imagine the mammoth form of the Lord? It is said the Meru mountain looked like dirt at the feet of the boar.
8. How did mother earth look like? Mustheva = Like a small piece of root (Korai kizhangu)
9. SD describes Him as “Mahaa potrin” Gigantic. Mahatvam is also a leela!
10. GONa aravair gurgurai: = The roar of the boar was verily the Varaaha Charama Slokam that is the ultimate promise of the Lord to the fallen souls!
11. Pavithree kritha Brahmaanda: = The sound issuing forth from the boar is said to be more forceful than the tornado at the time of deluge reverberating through all directions purifying the entire space.
12. Varaaha is also known as “Jnaana moorthi”- the source of knowledge.
"We do homage unto the tortoise whose body is reddened by the light of rubies streaming forth from the crowns of multitudes of bowing gods. He would rival a mountain of sparkling sapphires by the flooding embrace of charming sunbeams from the sun of his body protrufding from its shell."
This verse is from the Bilvamangalastava (2.58), translated by Frances Wilson (Leiden: E.J.Brill, 1973; pg.108).
“DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA”- KOORMA AVATAARAM (Tortoise) written by Anbil Ramaswamy
KOORMA AVATARAM (Tortoise)
THE STORY:
By the grace of God, the Devas were living happily and were resplendent
with glory. Once sage Durvaasa went to the abode of Sri Vishnu and offered
obeisance to Sri Vishnu and Sri Mahalakshmi (Consort of Sri Vishnu). He
got a garland of Sri Mahalakshmi from a Vidhyadhara damsel. Earlier, the
divine mother was pleased with performance of the damsel on Yazh, (a stringed
musical instrument like harp) and had gifted the garland to her.
While returning, Sage Durvasa passed through the Indraloka where Indra, Lord of Devas was coming in a procession mounted on his elephant. Durvasa offered the garland to Indra. Indra did not receive it with due respect but plucked it with the Ankusa (a goad used to spur the elephant) and placed it on the head of the elephant which promptly threw it down and trampled upon it. The sage got angry at the callous behavior of Indra and instantly cursed him and the Devas that all their glory and splendor would be lost and they would become emaciated and shorn of their power. Even as the sage turned his back, his curse started operating and the Devaloka lost its luster. Indra went to Brahma who led the Devas to Sri Vishnu, the protector. Lord Vishnu advised that they could reclaim their lost glory and strength only if they drank the nectar of immortality which could be got only by churning the milky ocean. But, how could they do it?
Lord Vishnu suggested that they lift mount Mandara and place it in mid-ocean as a churn dashery using Vasuki, the serpent as a rope for turning it. But, weak as they were, Devas could not even think of lifting the mountain. Lord suggested that they make truce with the Asuras and enlist their support in a joint venture!. But, he also warned that the Devas should not desire any of the things emerging from the ocean even if the Asuras forcibly took them. They should not rest until the nectar appeared and he himself would ensure that the Asuras did not snatch it.
Brahma returned to his Satyaloka and Indra set forth to the Capital of Asuras for peace talks. The Asuras were pleased and agreed to participate in the joint endeavor of lifting the mountain and churning.
As they tried to lift, the burden of the mountain was too much and many on both sides got crushed. Lord Vishnu mounted the mountain on the back of `Garuda' his carrier, who flew to the seashore and safely deposited the mountain right at the center of the ocean. Vasuki was wound round Mandara. The Asuras out of ego would not settle for the tail side. So, they took charge of the head side of Vasuki, while the Devas had to make do with the tail side.
As the churning began, the mountain wobbled as it had nothing to support and began to sink. Immediately, Lord Vishnu took the form of a giant sized tortoise, plunged into the ocean and emerged out with the mountain on his back.
They churned now with ease. The first thing to appear was the deadly poison called Halahala or Kalakuta (black poison) representing the impurities of the ocean. The poison was so potent as to blind the eyes and affect breathing. Responding to the prayer of the Devas and Asuras, Lord Siva drank the poison. Parvati, his consort stopped the poison from descending down the throat. Hence, Siva is also called NEELAKANTA (Blue-throated). Then emerged SURABHI (the cow), VAARUNI (wine), KARPAKAM / PARIJATHAM (a tree), APSARAS (nymphs) CHANDRA (moon), SRI (Mahalakshmi), UCHAISRAVAS (the white sonorous steed ), AIRAVATHAM' (Indra's elephant).
Finally, Lord DANVANTARI (the divine physician) who is none other than another incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared with a golden pitcher with AMRUTHA (the nectar of immortality) - an elixir of life that can prolong life indefinitely. (It is also believed to have the properties that can change any base metal into gold) Both the Devas and Asuras were excited and a fight royal ensued.
Lord Vishnu now took the form of a beautiful damsel, enticed the Asuras to give up their fight and entrust to her the task of distributing of nectar among them all, on condition that none would question her action. Both sides agreed to the condition. The Mohini (bewitching damsel) started distributing first to the row where Devas had seated. The Asuras waited for their turn. But, by the time she completed serving the row occupied by the Devas, there was not a drop of nectar left in the pitcher.
Then, Mohini appeared as Lord Vishnu, mounted on his Garuda and flew to his abode. The Asuras, disappointed as they were charged on the Devas. But, the rejuvenated Devas easily vanquished the emaciated Asuras and regained their lost power and glory and the asuras were driven to Patala loka.
It will be seen that Lord Vishnu did everything. He advised them how to get nectar, how to enlist support of their sworn enemies. He arranged to the lift the mountain. He deliberately allowed the asuras to be on the head-side of Vasuki which spouted poison and killed a number of asuras. He held the mountain on his back to enable the churning. He took the form of Danvantri and emerged with the pitcher of nectar. He again appeared as Mohini to ensure Devas and deprive Asuras of a share in the nectar. Without all this help, none of these could have happened and Devas would have been languishing from the effects of the curse of Durvasa forever.
Sri Swami Desikan while describing this Avatara says "Vihara Katchapa" meaning that Lord did all this in sport assuming the form of a tortoise. He says that when the mountain moved during the churning, it looked as if it gently scratched the back of the tortoise and relieved it of its itching and in the relief so secured, the Lord actually felt sleepy. He imagines that as the waves of the ocean rose and fell, it looked as if it were a swinging 'waterbed' on which the Lord enjoyed the swing.
Thirumangai Azhwar calls him a `GIRIDHARAN' meaning one who bore the mountain in anticipation of a similar feat the Lord was to exhibit in a subsequent Avatar as Krishna when he lifted the Govardhana Giri with his little finger
COMMENTS:
1. Adrinaa: This means “mountain. This is the only reference to the
story, nothing else.
2. In 12th Sloka, SD refers to “Vihara Kachchapa” = Sportily donned the form of tortoise.
3. Parasya Koorma vapushO = He roamed as the primordial tortoise (Aadhi Sri Koormam). “Parasaya” also refers to His “Parama purusha tvam”
4. Bhuvanatrayeem avyaasu: = SD indirectly alludes to the story of the
world having been protected when Siva is said to have drunk the poison.
Did Siva really drink the poison?
Sruthi says “Vayurasmaa upaamanyath pinishta smaa kunannamaa kesee
vishasya PatrEna yad RudrEna pibath sa:’ meaning that it is the Lord who
drank the poison making Siva a vessel to hold it (vishasya PatrEna yad
RudrEna pibath sa:)
5. ViharatE = "plays" - is in the present tense indicating that this Avatara is till not yet over.
6. Kanduuyanai: = means creating an itching sensation. When the mountain on His back like a churn dashery rotated during the churning, when the Devas and Asuras pulled it like in the rope pulling game, what could we expect except excruciating sense of itch for the Lord. But, what actually happened? He felt it so soothing that He was almost lulled into sleep!. SD goes further to say that during this “falling asleep” stage, he breathed so heavily that the waves of the milky ocean rose and fell as if it was gently swinging Him along with Piraatti and felt agreeably comfortable!
7. Does the Lord really sleep? He is a “Nitya Prabuddha”- ever awake and vigilant. In Yadhavabhyudayam SD makes a reference to this “Sleep- awake” situation in his own inimitable style where he suggests that the Lord was in deep meditation on how to distribute the nectar to the Devas while depriving the evil asuras, though the churning was a joint endeavor!
8. Sriya Sahaiy Eva = SD not only reaffirms the inseparable-ness of
the divine couple but according to Acharyas’ Vyakhyanams, all these efforts
of the Lord in
- Suggesting to the Devas about the Churning of the milky ocean
- Suggesting making peace with the Asuras as a military strategy to
secure their cooperation,
- Arranging to bring the Mantara mountain,
- Bearing it on His back to stop its wobbling,
- Advising Devas to hold on to the tail end of the deadly serpent,
Vaasuki,
- Appearing as Dhanvantari with the Pot of nectar
- Assuming the guise of Mohini for distributing nectar to the Devas
-
All were done only with a view to secure for Himself the nectarine
Mahalakshmi (amudhinum iniya penn amudai adaiya ivvalavu paaDu”)
"DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA"- : NRISIMHA AVATARAM (Half-Lion, Half Human)
Slokam 5
prathyaadishTa puraathana praharaNa graama: kshaNam paaNijai:
avyaath threeNi jaganthi akunTa mahimaa vaikunTa kaNTeerava:/
yath praadur bhavanaath avandhya jaTaraa yaadrichikaath vEdasaam
yaa kaachith sahasaa mahaasura griha sthooNaa pithamahi abhooth//
Meaning
"The King of VaikunTam Himself came down in the form of Lion-king.
Discarding the antiquated conventional weapons, He converted His own nails
as the weapon. He appeared in some pillar in the palace of the great Asura
and rid it of its sterlity by delivering Him, thus transforming it as the
Paternal Grandmother of Brahmas! May that Lord Nrisimha protect all the
three worlds"
THE BACKGROUND STORY
NARASIMHA AVATAR (Man-Lion)
On learning of the death of his brother at the hands of Lord Vishnu,
Hiranyakasipu vowed to kill Bhagavan and his devotees (Bhaagavatas) who
were engaged in a Yaga. With this end in view, he did penance propitiating
Brahma and got several boons. That he should not be killed by any created
thing, on earth or sky, at night or day, inside or outside, by man or beast,
celestial beings or Asuras, by any poisonous beings alive or dead or by
any weapons.
He became invincible and commenced tormenting all good people.When
he was busy doing penance, Indra took away Hiranyakasipu's wife, who was
pregnant. Sage NARADA stopped him and proceeded to explain to her the glory
of MAHAVISHNU. The fetus growing in the womb listened to the discourse
of Sage NARADA and became an incorrigible Bhakta of Sri VISHNU.On return
from penance with all the boons he got from BRAHMA, Hrianyakasipu
proclaimed that he was himself God and nobody should pay obeisance
to VISHNU. When the baby was born to Hrianyakasipu, he was named PRAHLADA
meaning one that is supremely happy. When he came of age, PRAHLADA was
sent to the Gurukula of his preceptor SUKRACHARYA. Sukracharya tried to
inculcate the new syllabus of adoring Hrianyakasipu as God. However hard
he tried, Sukracharya could not divert the attention of PRAHLADA from his
attachment to VISHNU.
Having failed in his efforts, Sukracharya complained to Hrianyakasipu
who became angry with his son, roared and threatened him. But, nothing
would move PRAHLADA from his devotion and determination to worship Lord
Vishnu.
When asked where from he got the courage to defy, the son replied he
got the strength from the All-powerful VISHNU.
- He ordered PRAHLADA to be cut asunder but only the weapon used got
broken.
- He had him cast away into the ocean but the Lord of the ocean brought
him unaffected.
- He was hurled from top of a mountain but the boy was saved by the
gentle hands of Lord Vishnu.
- He let snakes bite Prahlada but the Lord who reclines on Adisesha
saved the boy.
- He ordered elephants to trample him and
- He ordered the boy to be burnt by fire.
But, Prahlada emerged unscathed every time.
Hrianyakasipu became exasperated. Enraged, Hrianyakasipu vowed to kill Vishnu and then Prahlada. He asked Prahlada where Vishnu was and showed a pillar that was in his palace and asked if Vishnu was in it. Prahlada replied in the affirmative and asked him to say where He was NOT!Hrianyakasipu kicked the pillar with a bang. With a resounding crash the pillar cracked and, Lord Vishnu emerged from it in the form of half-lion half- man to substantiate the words of Prahlada. On seeing a creature that was neither human nor animal, Hrianyakasipu realized that it could be none other than Lord Vishnu himself. Almost instantly NRISIMHA seized him and crushed him in a close embrace but he slipped through his hands, and charged him with a sword.By that time, dusk had arrived which was neither day nor night, NRISIMHA carried the Asura to the doorstep where under the arch of the doorway he sat laying the Asura on his lap. Thus, it was neither earth nor sky, neither inside nor outside. NRISIMHA tore Hrianyakasipu to death with his claws. Claw is not a weapon, one that was neither alive nor dead.
Periyazhwar explains why he embraced Hrianyakasipu before killing him saying that he was searching whether there was at least an iota of compassion towards his son. Since he did not find any, he decided to kill the Asura.
Sri Swami Vedanta Desika while referring to this AVATARA says, that
the pillar in the ASURA'S palace had the luck which other pillars elsewhere
in the world did not enjoy because it was from there Bhagavan emerged thus
ending her sterility. He jocularly remarks that by this, the pillar had
become the grandmother of BRAHMA thus: Brahma is known to be "Pithaamaha"
Grandfather. Vishnu is his father. By giving birth to Vishnu, the pillar
had become Brahma's grandmother. He calls this Avatar "YADRUCHA HARE" meaning
that the Lord appeared instantly and no preparations were made by him for
his incarnation.
That the Lord exhibited both his wrath and grace all at the same time
is very well brought out in the Sloka 'Satapatala Bheeshane' in Swami Sri
Vedanta Desika's Kamasika Ashtakam. When asked how it was possible that
the two incompatible emotions could be perceived in the same personality
all at once, Emperumanar is reported to have replied that the lioness even
when pouncing on its prey, the elephant, would continue to breast feed
with love its calf.
COMMENTS:
1. Kshanam = In a trice, Suddenly. Nrisimha Emerged unexpectedly from the pillar
2. Paanijai: = Fingernails; They grow on the hands (paaNI+ja) and can be clipped without hurt. So, they are both alive and dead at the same time since Hrianyakasipu wanted NOT to be killed by anything living or dead!
3. Prathyaadishta Praharana graama: = Discarding the old routine weapons like disc, mace etc. known as Panchaayudham, Shodasaayudham etc. because the Lord had to deal with Hrianyakasipu without offending any of the contrary boons Hrianyakasipu had obtained from Siva.
4. Akunta mahimaa = One of immeasurable glory cf Andal's "Kurai onrum illatha Govindaa".
5. Threeni Jaganthi avyaath = It is such a one who can protect the 3 worlds
6. Vaikunta Kanteerava: = can mean both the Lion residing in Vaikuntam or the Lion called Vaikuntan. Since Hrianyakasipu wanted NOT to be killed by human or animal, the Lord took the Half-lion, Half-human form, which cannot be deemed as either human or beast!
7. Sahasaa = Immediately and with supersonic speed
8. Avantya Jataraa = The pillar was relieved of barrenness (Maladu) And, what happened?
9. Mahaasura Gruha Sthoonaa Piathaamahi abhooth = Swami Desika's imagination
runs riot when he humorously says that the pillar in the great Asura's
palace gave birth to the Lord thereby becoming the Grandmother for Brahma!
Brahma is known as Grandsire (Pithaamaha); Lord Narayana is the father,
having created Brahma; the pillar gave birth to Narayana in the form of
Nrisimha and automatically became the grandmother to the grandsire himself!
10. Of all the leelas of the Lord, the most wonderful is that of Nrisimha. It is described as "Athiadbutham" more wonderful than that of Kishnaavatara described only as "adbutham". He had to devise a stratagem appropriate in form, time, location, and place, mode etc. without transgressing the opposite conditions Hrianyakasipu had demanded and was granted in the form of boons.
11. In 12th Sloka, Swami Desika calls the lord "yadruchchaa Hareh" This
can mean that He took the form never seen or heard of before and that He
took everyone by surprise including Hrianyakasipu, Brahma and Prahlada
by
suddenly appearing from a stone pillar! This is also another aspect
of Leela.
12. Vedasaam: Brahmas: The word is in plural to indicate that there
were several Brahmas from time immemorial. A story in Upanishads describe
Brahma as a worm living inside the fruit of a fig tree imagining that the
entire world was within the fruit it lived in, not knowing that there were
numerous other Brahma worms inside the millions of fruits on the mother
tree! There is also a Slokam that says that it may be possible to count
the number of sands on the banks of the Ganges or the tiny drops when torrential
rains lash but it is not possible to count the number of Brahmas who were
born and disappeared!
Gangaayaa: sikathaa: dhaaraa thathaa varshathi vaasave /
Sakhyaa ganayithum lokE na vyatheethaa: pitaamahaah //
13. It used to be said that the Lord appeared to make the words of His devotee true. When Prahlada said that the Lord WAS in the pillar, He actually WAS there to prove him true. "Nija Brithya Baashitham" Who is the true Brithya here? Not only Prahlada but Siva also because He had to be true to every single faulty boon Siva granted to Hrianyakasipu!
14. Another episode, which some people project is, the story in which
Siva is shown as taking a queerer form than Nrisimha as Sarbeswara and
killing Nrisimha. This is a concocted story found in an unreliable Tamasic
Sthala Purana. Exploding the myth behind this, it is said that "Saraba"
perished like a firefly ("salabaha") falling into a burning flame that
was Nrisimha!
"Sarabaha SalabhaayatE". Note the alliteration!
15. Swami Desika variously describes Nrisimha as "Adbutha Kesari" (wonderful lion) "kaamaasikaa kesari" ( who became a lion of His own choice), "KapaTa Kesari" (deceitful lion) ,"kelee narasimham" (Playful), "Vishama vilochana" ( One who displays at the same time opposite emotions of anger at Hrianyakasipu and compassion at Prahlada) like a lion which even while pouncing ferociously on its prey continues to breast- feed her cub)
. “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.
“DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA- PARASURAMA AVATARAM (RAMA WITH THE AXE) - Anbil Ramaswamy
SLOKAM 7
KrOdha agnim jamadagni peeTana bhavam sam tharpayishyan kramaath
a-kshathraam iha santhathas cha ya imaam tri:sapta kritva kshithim
/
Dathvaa karmaNi dakshiNaam kvachana thaam aaskandhya sindhum vasan
Abrahmanyam apaa karOthu bhagavaan aabrahma keeTam munih //
MEANING:
“ When the fire of the fury of the Lord as a Sage was roused by a king
who killed his father Jamadagni, He wiped out with a vengeance 21 generations
of the Royal clan from the face of the earth. Later He gave away the earth
in a Yagjna and retired to a land, which He reclaimed, from the Sea. Let
this Lord rid the miseries of the world right from the four faced Brahma
to the lowest of creatures”
BACKGROUND STORY:
KARTHAVEERYARJUNA, the ruler of HEHAYA was a great king. He got boons
from Datta AatrEya and other deities to become invincible. Puffed with
ego due to the newfound powers acquired by him, he became tyrannical and
began tormenting every one. Once, he even tried to confront Ravana, the
ruler of Lanka but was defeated and so he made truce with him. With a thousand
arms, with weapons and power, with a powerful ally in Ravana, nothing could
stop him from his evil ways.
It is to quell Karthaveerya and his ilk and to protect the righteous from his claws that Lord Vishnu descended down to earth and was born as BHARGAVA RAMA the youngest of the five sons of Jamadagni and Renuka. Jamadagni's father was RISHIKAN who married a Kshatriya girl SATYAVATI, daughter of one KHADI. Because of this Varna sangaraha (mixing up of castes) and other circumstances, BHARGAVA Rama though born as a Brahmin exhibited Kshatriya traits and had a liking for weapons, archery etc. Indeed, his favorite weapon was an axe, which he got as a gift from Siva. Parasu means Axe. Hence, he was called PARASU RAMA.
Once, when the five brothers had gone out, Karthaveeryaarjuna entered the hermitage of Jamadagni and demanded food for himself and his retinue. With the help of Kaamadhenu, Jamadagni got food prepared for the host of guests. Karthaveerya knowing this demanded Kaamadhenu. But, Jamadagni would not part with it. The king forcibly took away the cow and the calf.
When PARASU RAMA learnt of the incident, he marched towards MAHISHMATI, the capital of the king. The king dispatched 17 battalions of Ratha (Chariots) Gaja (elephantry), Turaga (Cavalry) and Pathadhi (infantry) each one called an Akshouhini. Single-handed, PARASURAMA destroyed the entire lot and then cut off the thousand arms of Kaarthaveerya and killed him with his axe. Retrieving Kaamadhenu and her calf, he returned to the hermitage where life was proceeding peacefully for some time.
On another occasion, Renuka who went to fetch water from a nearby river happened to see some celestial Devas playing. Since her attention was distracted, it became too late when she returned with the water required. Jamadagni got angry and asked his sons to behead her. But, none would carry out his commands. Then entered PARASU RAMA when his father ordered him to behead not only Renuka but also his brothers. Without hesitation, PARASU RAMA carried out the orders. Pleased, the father asked what boons he wanted. All that PARASU RAMA wanted was that his mother and brothers should come alive and be oblivious of whatever had happened. Jamadagni granted the boon and they did come alive and life was again peaceful at the hermitage.But, not for long.
Kaarthaveerya's sons stormed the hermitage to avenge the death of their father Only Jamadagni and Renuka were there at that time, Ignoring the pleadings of Renuka, they cut off the head of Jamadagni who was deep in meditation. Renuka was beside with grief and was crying aloud as PARASU RAMA returned. She beat her breast 21 times. PARASU RAMA vowed that he would wipe out 21 generations of Kshatriyas and proceeded to do the `Samskaras' for his father. Jamadagni gained the realm of the seven Rishis (Saptarishi mandalam). PARASU RAMA carried out his vow, wrested the land and properties of Kshatriyas and finally gave them away to sage KASYAPA and retired to the southwest corner of India. Swami Sri Vedanta Desika describes him as 'ROSHA RAMA' (Indignant Rama)
When, Parasu Rama confronted Dasaratha who was returning from Mithila after the wedding of Rama and Sita, RAMA the AVATAR took back all the powers of PARASURAMA since the purpose of PARASURAMA AVATAR was completed.Parasurama threw his axe into the western ocean. The ocean receded upto the point where the axe fell and the land so reclaimed is known as Parasurama Kshetram. Scholars say that modern Kerala is this Kshetram.
This Avatar is not a direct Avatar. Lord Vishnu entered the soul of a Brahmin son of Jamadagni (By Avesa or Anupravesa). Of the 10 Avatars, except Parasurama avatar all the others are Amsa avatars (i.e.) Direct descent of Lord Vishnu
COMMENTS:
1. We can find shells called “Kilinjals” in Kerala even today to substantiate this event.
2. It may be noted that in the entire Stotra, this is the only one having some details of the story.
3. Abhramanyam apaakarothu: = This is the shrill call usually signaled whenever anything was noticed against the SAtvika Brahmins in those days. Amaram says- “Abhrahmanyam avadhyokthaih”
4. This story shows that gifting landed property (Bhoo daanam) was the greatest gift.
5. It also shows that Brahmins are born not only take Daanam but they also give Daanam.
6. Yet another lesson is that one should not desire to stay on land already gifted away.
7. Sam tharpayishyan = This refers “Tarpanam” made with blood (Kurudhi Tarpanam)
8. Tris sapta krutva = 3 x 7= 21 times his mother beat her breasts and he vowed to destroy 21 generations of Kshatriyas.
9. Bhagavaan Munih = Nowhere else has this peculiar expression of “Muni” employed. Why? To denote that this was not a Poorna Avatara but only an AavEsa Avatara, in which the Lord entered the soul of a Muni.
10. In 12th Sloka, SD refers to this Avatara as “ROsha Rama”. “ROsham” does not mean mere anger but the spirit of revenge for injustice, which is a natural instinctive response of a Kshatriya. As will be seen from the story, though he was born in a Brahmin household, due to some circumstances, he acquired the characteristics of a Kshatriya.
“DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA- “SRI RAMA AVATARAM” (RAMA
WITH THE BOW)
(The Prince charming-the personification of righteousness) (Anbil
Ramaswamy)
SLOKAM 8
paaraavaara payO visOshaNa paareeNa kalaanala
jwaalaajaala vihaara haari visika vyaapaara gOra kramah /
sarvaavastha sakruth prapanna janathaa samrakshaNaika vrathee
dharmO vigrahavaan adharma virtheem dhanvee sa thanveetha na: //
MEANING:
“ He can, with His bow and arrows wreak havoc on everything and dry
up the vast bodiess of waters of great oceans like the fierce fire-force
of deluge. His valor is incomparable and unsurpassed. Yet, His compassion
is so great that if one were to surrender at His feet for once, He has
vowed to afford protection as a matter of principle and policy, whatever
the circumstances, even at the risk of His own life! Let that Lord Rama,
the wielder of the mighty bow, the Greatest of heroes and who is Dharma
personified, save us”
BACKGROUND STORY
As most of our readers would be aware of the story of Ramayana, we
do not propose to retell the story except to highlight some little known
aspects in the well-known story.
COMMENTS:
1. It may be noted that there is no mention of Ravana in this Sloka.
2. In the first 2 lines, the valor of Rama is spoken of to show His “Paratvam” with reference to the power of His bow (Dhanvee). Since this word pairs with “Thanveetha” (Protect), Swami Desika seems to suggest that He could protect because of the prowess of his Dhanus (bow)
3. In the next 2 lines, His compassion gets mentioned to show His “Soulabhyam” in protecting anyone who surrenders to Him. That is why, SD calls Him (personification of Dharma)“ Vigrahavaan Dharma:” and “adharma virathi” (destroyer of evil) the twin objectives of Avatara Rahasyam.4. There is a misconception about Rama worshipping Siva in Rameswaram. This is NOT mentioned in Srimad Vaalmiki Ramayanam nor in Kamba Ramayanam. It is Tulasidas who imaginatively introduced this in his “Rama Charita Manas”
5. Another instance of an incorrect interpretation which people make relates to the pious lady SABARI. The popular notion is that she bit the fruits and saved the good ones bearing her spittle for offering to Sri Rama. This is not correct. All she did was to taste a sample of fruit from each tree in her garden and throw away the bitten one but left the other fruits to remain on the same tree, provided the one she had tasted, tasted good. This is because Sabari knew that it would amount to defilement to offer to the Lord the remains of anything that she had partaken earlier
6. The incident in which Sri Rama is said to surrender to the Ocean King that went futile shows that only surrender by a weaker person to a capable person will be fruitful and the reverse will be in vain. Rama had both Sakti, Veeryam etc unlike the Ocean king.
7. Sakruth Prapanna Janathaa = indicates that Prapatti is the ONLY sure means for Moksha- a cardinal concept in our Sampradayam.
8. RAVANA was the brother of KUBERA. He became so powerful that he even made the nine planets to be the steps leading to his throne. Because he attempted to rape RAMBHA, the wife of NALAKUBARA (son of Kubera), she cursed that Ravana's head would be smashed into smithereens if he attempted to rape any woman. Incidentally, that is why he did not force Sri Sita when he abducted her.
9. The most important aspect of Ramayana is the vow of Sri Rama to protect those who surrender unto him. Sri Swami Desikan has aptly described this `Quality of mercy' of the Lord referring to Rama as "KARUNA KAKUTSTHA". He is “Compassion incarnate”. No other event in the entire Ramayanam t brings out this aspect more than the “Kaakaasura” incident in which Indra’s son took the form of a crow and tormented Sri Sita. When King Raghu went to help Indra in a war against Asuras, he did so on condition that he would ride on the hump of a bull and Indra was to act as the bull. “Kakuth” means hump of a bull. Remembering that some ancestor of the Crow (Indra) helped some ancestor of his own; Rama took compassion on the crow and spared its life, taking away only one its eyes.
10. In the hermitage of SUDEEKSHANA, Rama says to Sita that he would not mind laying down his life or deserting both her and Lakshmana but he would never give up his vow to protect those who surrender to him even if it be his arch enemy, RAVANA.
11. He vowed also that He would treat anyone who created trouble for the Satvic Rishis as His own enemies. So, it is for this reason that He killed the Asuras even though they did no harm to Him personally
12. Nammazhwar asks, "Will any one who desires to learn, learn anything other than Rama?” "KARPAR RAMPIRANAI ALLAL MARRUM KARPARO". Why? Because, Rama is fills the minds of anyone who thinks of Him.
13. ANDAL who commenced eulogizing Lord Krishna in her Tiruppavai calls
Lord Rama as “manathukku iniyaan”. This is because she reminds Krishna
how as Rama the Lord took so much pains to build a bridge, take a whole
battalion of vaanaraas, fight fiercely and destroy Ravana and his army.
All for the sake of one woman, Sri Sita!
She seems to have a dig at Krishna whether he would not take a leaf
of lesson from this incident, in the case of the multitude of Gopis who
were pining only for His love and affection!
14. The very word Rama is derived from the statement “ramayathi ithi Raamah
15. Swami Desika has written in the Gadya style a great work entitled "MAHAVEERA VAIBAVAM" otherwise known as `RAGHUVEERA GADYAM' in lucid style bringing out the glory of Ramayana.
16. This is a PURNA AVATAR (Complete incarnation) of Mahavishnu himself, Lakshmana that of Adhisesha (couch) Satrugna the aspect of Panchajanya (conch) and Bharatha the aspect of Sudarsana (Chakra).
17. Compassion is also an aspect of the Lord’s leela.
“DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA- “SRI BALARAMA AVATARAM” (RAMA WITH THE PLOUGH) Anbil Ramaswamy
SLOKAM 9:
Pakkath Kowrava paTTaNa prabruthaya: praastha pralambaadaya:
Thaalaankasya tathaa vidhaa vihruthayas thanvanthu bhadraaNi na: /
Ksheeram Sarkara yEva yaabhir apruthak boothaa: prabhoothair guNai:
Aa-kowmaarakam aswadantha jagathE krishNasya thaa: kELaya: //
MEANING:
“May the exploits of Sri Balarama like his turning upside down Hastinaapura,
the capital of the Kauravas, his wiping out the Rakshasas like Pralambasura
do us all the good. Right from childhood, Balarama was inseparably involved
in the sporting activities of Sri Krishna making them more enjoyable, like
the inseparable sugar dissolved in milk therby heightening its taste.”
BACKGROUND STORY:
This Avatar and that of Sri KRISHNA happened in Dvaparyuga. Vasudeva's
first wife was Rohini. The second wife was Devaki. For the seventh time
Devaki conceived and it was Balarama. But, Lord through His `Yogamaya'
had the fetus transferred from the womb of Devaki to that of Rohini. Balarama
was the aspect of Adisesha, just as Lakshmana was in Ramaavatara.Balarama
was fair in color and he had a palm tree inscribed on his flagstaff. Balarama's
weapon was the Hala (plough).
SWAMI SRI DESIKA calls him HELAHALIN - One who wields the plough as his weapon. BALARAMA married REVATI, daughter of Raivata. He killed `RUKMI' brother of Rukmini when he exceeded his limits in his misbehavior. Once he dragged the entire HASTINAPURA with his plough when the Kauravas refused to free SAMBHAN son of JAMBAVATI (one of the wives of Krishna). When the Kauravas surrendered he also released Hastinaapura.
During the Mahabharata war he did not join either Kauravas or PaaNDavas but left on a pilgrimage along with VIDHURA because both sides were his close relatives.
After the destruction of the Yadhavas, he took his serpent form, entered the sea and disappeared. Some scholars say that BALARAMA AVATAR was not a PURNA AVATAR..
COMMENTS:
1. There is a Slokam, which says that the same Adhisesha of Krita yuga took the form of Lakshmana during Treta yuga, Balarama in Dwapara Yuga, and Bhagavad Ramanuja in Kaliyuga.
Anantha: prathamam roopam Lakshmanasthu tatha: param/
TriteeyO Balabadras thu Kalou Raamaanuja Smritah//
2. ANDAL calls him “Sempor kazhal aDi selvaa, baladEvaa” The reason for this is explained by Poorvacharyas as follows: All the earlier babies born to Devaki met with death. It was only because of the conception of Balarama in Devaki’s womb immediately before His own that a kind of protection arose so that when KrishNa was born he could survive and have a safe passage too!
3. Some substitute Buddha in the place of Balarama. This is not correct and Buddha is NOT recognized as one of the 10 main Avataras. In Mahabaratham Santhi Parva (46.107) Bhishma tells that Krishna would take the form of an auxiliary Avatara as “Aadhi Buddha” and mislead the non- believers. This “Aadhi Buddha” is different from the Siddartha Goutama Buddha of historical fame.
4. Balarama is also considered to be the reincarnation of “Samkarshana”, the first of the 4 the Vyuha murthis next only to Paravaasudeva. Patanjali in his Mahabashyam refers to this aspect when he says ‘Samkarshana-Vaasudevou”
5. Praastha Pralambaadhaya: thathaa vidhaa: vihrutayah = That he did so many feats along with Krishna is indicated by this “aadhaya:”
6. Aa-koumarakam = from childhood days
7. Ksheeram Sarkarayaa iva apruthak bhoothaah = Krishna and Balarama were always together like milk and sugar mixed
8. In 12th Sloka, SD calls him “Helaahalin” The plough was both for fun (leela) and as weapon. Wielding weapon was itself a leela.
“DASAAVATAARA STOTRAM OF SWAMI DESIKA- PART 12: “SRI KALKI AVATARAM” - (Anbil Ramaswamy)
SLOKAM 11
Bhavinyaa dasayaa bhavan iha bhava dvamsaaya na: kalpathaam
Kalkee vishNuyasa: sutha: kali kathaa kaalushya koolankasha: /
Nis sesha kashtaha kanTakE kshithi thalE dharaa jaloughair dhruvam
Dharmam kaartha yugam prarOhayathi yath nistrimsa dhaaraadhara: //
MEANING:
“The Lord who presents Himself to us now in Archaa form is sure to
reappear later on in the form of Kalki, being born as the son of a Brahmin
called VishNuyasas. To put an end to the present calamitous Yuga, with
a blazing sword on hand and riding a horse, He will exterminate all evil,
re-establish Dharma and make the golden age spring forth again as if watered
by His compassion. May He get rid of our pangs of Samsaara”
BACKGROUND STORY:
As his is the apocalyptic incarnation, no background story is available.
Yet, this is the only Avataaram described by Swami Desika with some detail
like the name of Lord’s father as “VishNuyasas”.
COMMENTS:
KALKI AVATAR (The Apocalyptic Redeemer)
1. The Avataras mentioned earlier happened in the earlier yugas. This Avataara is expected to take place at the fag end of Kaliyuga. The present Yuga is KALIYUGA.
2. After Lord Krishna’s ascent to Paramapadam at the end of Dvapra Yuga, evil forces started raise their ugly head. Vishnu Puraana gives a graphic account of how evil forces would attain supremacy and virtuous people would suffer.
3. We are said to be in the 5102nd year (as of 2001-2002) out of the total of 432,000 years of the KALIYUGA. The Kali Yuga is said to come to and end after 426,898 years. During this period, the evil forces would progressively gain control and destroy all good ones by the time Kaliyuga comes to a close.
4. BRAHMA is believed to have told NARADA about all the Avatars including the apocalyptic KALKI AVATAR.
5. According to Puranas, when the evil becomes unbearable, Lord Vishnu will be born in a village called 'SAMBALAM' on the banks of Ganges as the son of a Brahmin couple called VISHNUYASAS and SUMATHI.
6. He will be riding a white horse called “kalkam (karkam) and wielding a sharp sword will traverse the entire Universe in three nights weeding out all evil forces and establishing a Krita yuga back again -thus being the harbinger of the 'Golden Age' on earth.
7. May the Lord who now appears to us in Archaa form and who is going to take this form of Kalki put an end to our cycle of births and deaths in Samsaara.
8. Kalikathaa kaalushya koolankasha: refers to the destruction of evil
9. Dharmam Kaarthayugam refers to the establishment and revival of Dharma
10. “Nistrimsa dhaaraadhara:” is suggestive of the gushing waters of Ganga (also known as “Tripathaka” due to its fanning and flowing out as Ganga proper, Jamuna and the subterranean Saraswathi rivers)
11. Swami Vedanta Desika describes him as 'KALKAVAHANA DASA KALKIN',
meaning “Kakin seen as riding on the horse named Kalka”.
The leelas mentioned in this are horse riding, sward wielding etc.
Asta-Laxmi
Mohini Murthy
See more on Mohini murthy here
Background of 'dashAvatAra stuti.h'
Sri Vadiraja on his regular periodic victory travel (digvijaya) visited famous Pandarapura. During that time, one fine morning when he opened his box of worshipping idols (devara pettige, which contains worshipping idols and saligramas) he could not see his diety Sri Hayagriva idol, but through his vision he could realise what has happened and started walking towards the Bhimarathi River. At the same time one farmer (krishivala, one who does the farming of land) came running towards him and told him that swamiji's horse has eaten his nursery plants of Bengal gram (khadale) resulted him huge loss and look to be depressed about the happening. Then Sri Vadiraja told him not to worry about the happening and not get wild about it and assured him that he will compensate the loss. And also told him to show the place where his horse has eaten his plants in the morning.
On telling this the saint started walking towards the farmers farm. On seeing the swamiji's coolness the farmer also accompanied him. While going towards the farm Sri Vadiraja started composing Sri Dashavatara Stotra in Ashwa Dhati (raga of horse footsteps) with utmost devotion. During that time one white horse came near to them with dancing, laughing and putting the footsteps according to the swamiji's stotra's tune. On seeing the horse the farmer pointed swamiji towards the horse and told the swamiji it is the same horse which has eaten his farm plants.
Then Swamiji assured him that he will take care of the horse and started going near to the horse, suddenly the horse disappeared from the scene. The farmer was surprised and astonished about the happening, then the farmer and swamiji went and saw the place where the horse has eaten the bengal gram plants, there they could see where ever the horse has eaten the plants they saw golden bengal grams. The farmer was very surprised about it and recollected that the horse which he could see for the second time also disappeared and he could see the golden bengal grams in his farm, made him very astonished, then swamiji told him that the horse which he saw was none other than God and it is not normal horse and he has been blessed with the wealth and he can take those and live happily. Then farmer has decided to take the golden wealth which was blessed by the God and give all his lands as donation to the temple.
Since that time this Stotra is considered to be initative to get love from Sri Hari and it has been a custom among the devotees to pray or worship through this stotra while concluding daily pujas or devara pooja. This practice is continuing in all vaishnas groups, temples, mutts etc. even today.
"dashAvatAra_stuti.h 1"
srI lakshmI hayagrIvaya namaH
srI gurbhyO namaH hari.h OM
OM mathsyAya namaH:
proshhThIsha vigraha sunishhThiiva noddhata vishishhTAMbuchAri jaladhe
|
koshhTha.ntarAhita vicheshhTAgamaugha parameshhThIDitattvamavamAm.h
|
preshhThArkasUnumanu jeshhThArthamAtmavidatIshhTo yugA.nta samaye
|
stheshhThAtma shR^iN^gadhR^ita kAshhThAmbuvAhana varAshhTA padaprabha
tano || 1||
Translation
===========
Sri Vadiraja started praising Sri Hari's different manifestation with
mathsyavatara (fish form) and he is explaining the special qualities ofthis
manifestation through this verse.
Sri Hari, you are wearing a very special and useful body of Fish, like
any other fishes who lives in water, if you push the water the whole ocean
starts overflowing (swelling) by your great push. The ocean also
looks dangerous by the presence of big whales and other similar animals,
in the same ocean you are roaming (viharisu). In your stomach you have
kept all vedas (scriptures) permanently (firmly without any movement).
These vedas has been given to Brahma and from whom you are getting praised
through the same vedas.
You have protected through your golden horns the vechicle, which is made out of special wood, which contained all the seeds of creation during the extintion time which were to be needed by Vyvasvatha Manu, son of Sun who will act as creater in the next manvanthara. You possess golden shining body and you are always loved by GYanis (one who has learnt vedic knowledge), please protect me.
OM sri HayagrIvaya namaH
khaNDIbhavadbahuLaDinDIrajR^imbhaNa suchaNDI kR^ito dadhi mahA
|
kANDAti chitra gati shauNDAdya haimarada bhANDA prameya charita
|
chaNDAshvakaNThamada shuNDAla durhR^idaya gaNDA bhikhaNDAkara do
|
shchaNDA mareshahaya tuNDAkR^ite dR^ishama khaNDA malaM pradisha me
|| 2||
Translation
===========
In this verse Sri Vadiraja is praying Sri Hari in the form of Sri Hayagriva.
(horse face)
Sri Hayagriva, one will get fear after seeing the dangerous and ferocious ocean with foams (froth) which swell and spattering all over. In that ocean you will roam and run in an astonishing way. You are the root cause of this universe, you are decorated by the bridle (kadivana)(pointed tooths). One cannot understand fully (know) your greatness. You have broken the dangerous looking Hayagrivasura's breast portion and kumbhastala, the one who was acting like a mad elephant. You are the leader of demi gods (devataas), who is in the form of Sri Hayagriva, please bless me with complete knowledge.
OM kUrmAya namaH
kUrmAkR^ite tvavatu narmAtma pR^ishhThadhR^ita bharmAtma ma.ndara gire
|
dharmAvalaMbana sudharmA sadAMkalita sharmA sudhAvitaraNAt.h
|
durmAna rAhumukha durmAyi dAnavasumarmA bhibhedana paTo |
dharmArka kAnti vara varmA bhavAn.h bhuvana nirmANa dhUta vikR^itiH
|| 3||
Translation
===========
Sri Vadiraja praising Sri Hari who incarnated as kUrma (tortoise,
turtle form).
One who is in the form of tortoise (turtle) Sri Hari, you have taken (weared) the golden mandara mountain (this was the mountain which was being used while churning of the ocean by gods and demons, which is considered to be large huge and bulky) without any problems (with easeness). You have killed demon rahu (who is supposed to swallow the sun and moon and thus cause eclipse) the one who has bad violence/obstinacy and also other demons by breaking their vital organs when they tried to compete with the demi gods (devataas) though they are not capable of taking amrutha (divine drink which came while churning of the ocean). During that time in the court of SudharmE you have distributed the above amrutha to those who has taken shelter (refuge) of dharma and looked after their welfare. Your protected (shielded) jacket (coat) is shining like summer Sun. You were not tired while creating this universe and also after the creation . Please specially protect me.
OM dha.nva.ntharE namaH
dhanva.ntare.aN^garuchi dha.nva.ntareritaru dha.nva.nstarIbhavasudhA
|
bhAnva.ntarAvasatha manvantarAdhikR^ita tanva.ntaraushhadhanidhe
|
da.nva.ntaraN^gashubudanva.ntamAjishuvi tanvanmamAbdhi tanayA
|
sUnvantakAtmahR^idata.nvarAvayava tanva.ntarArtijaladhau || 4||
Translation
===========
Sri Vadiraja is praying Sri Dhanvantari through this verse.
OH Dhanvantari, your body is shining like sun and you are destroying the enemies of trees like the dessert drying the trees. You are present in the form of sparkles in moon which is full of amrutha (divine drink). In different manvantara (different yugas) like svayabhuva you have manifested in different forms like kapila, yagna etc. For all medicines you are the resource (You are protecting all medicines). In all wars you have killed (destroyed) all bad people thus creating miseries to the mother 'dhanu' (whose heart is full of miseries) (one who destroys (kills) bad people and thus creating miseries to the mothers) and you are being called 'dushta shikshaka' (one who gives torments to bad people).
Manamatha who is the son of Sri Lakshmi Devi (who is the daughter of Ocean) was killed (destroyed, burnt) by Sri Rudra who is being called passionless (vairagya). Sri Rudra was attracted by your beautiful Sri Naraynai form (Mohani form, women form) and fell in love (fondness) with you. Sri Narayani form is none other than Sri Hari's (yourown) manifestation.
The same Dhanvantari please protect the devotees like a ship in the ocean of miseries.
OM srI nArAyaNayaI namaH
yAxIravArdhimadanAxINadarpaditijAxobhitAmaragaNA |
pexAptaye.ajanivalaxAMshhubiMbajidatIxNAlakAvR^itamukhI |
sUxmAvalagnavasanAxepakR^itkucha kaTAxAxamIkR^itamano |
dIxAsurAhR^itasudhAxANino.avatusu rUxexaNAddharitanuH || 5||
Translation
===========
In this verse Sri Vadiraja is explaining Mohini form of Sri Hari.
Though demons churned the milky ocean through mandara mountain there egotism (pride) (sense of pride) has not reduced. They were not interested in giving amrutha to demi gods (devataas). At that point of time, in order to fulfil the desires of demi gods you have incarnated as women. Your face was beautiful, shining (splendour) and had the moon reflection and was decorated by soft curly hairs. You have dressed in special cloths, you were shaking your breasts and your sexual look (lusty look, vision) has shaken the egostic demons mind. You have spoiled the desires (wishes) of demons of not giving amrutha kalasha (vessel) to demi gods (devataas) and you took the possession of the same. The same dhanvanthari please do not make us to fall in the bad vision or please protect us from making a sin by seeing bad things.
OM srI narAyaNayaI namaH
shixAdiyunnigama dIxAsulaxaNa parixAxamAvidhisatI |
dAxAyaNI xamati sAxAdramApinaya dAxepavIxaNavidhau |
prexAxilobhakaralAxAra soxita padAxepalaxitadharA |
sAxiritAtmatanu bhUxArakAriniTilAxAxamAnavatu naH || 6||
Translation
==========
The author explains Sri Narayani's form ie Mohini manifestation. Author
has taken three devataas (devi's) ie Saraswathi, Dakshayani (Ishwara' s
wife) and Lakshmi and explained their qualities.
Sri Saraswathi Devi, one who possess shiksha (knowledge) and other organs of veda with their meaning and explanations, one who is expert in conducting examinations of good qualities and one who is knowledge based (vidya abhimani). Sri Dakshayani and saxat (manifestly) Sri Lakshmi devi also associates all the above superior qualities. Although these three devataas are having such qualities, after seeing Sri Hari in the form of Sri Naryani (Mohani, women) their minds were disturbed.
Sri Narayani, you are having special (very good) knowledge and there is no abnormality (vikara) and with you at any given point of time and at all times. The earth is getting beautified by your foot steps where you have pasted gumlac (sealing-wax) (aragu) and the superior womens such as Saraswathi, Dakshayani and Sri Lakshmi minds were shaken on seeing your form.
Ishwara (Rudra deva) who is suppose to be passionless and the one who has killed Manmatha (Manmatha is the son of Sri Lakshmi) was also disturbed in his mind and fell in inlove with you (Narayani) and later felt shy and shame for the above act. OH Sri Hari who is in the form of Sri Narayani you are so beautiful and charming, please protect me.
OM srI varAhAya namaH
nIlAmbudAbhashubha shIlAdridehadhara khelAgR^itodhadhidhunI |
shailAdiyukta nikhilelA kaTAdyasura tUlATavIdahana te |
kolAkR^ite jaladhi kAlAchayAvayava nIlAbjadaMshhTra dhariNI |
lIlAspadorutara mUlAshiyogivara jAlAbhivandita namaH || 7||
Translation
===========
Sri Vadiraja is explaining the manifestation of Sri Varaha (boar form).
Sri Varaha is shining like a black (dark) clouds full of water in the sky. He has the quality of sacredness. He is wearing a body which is equal to a huge mountain. Previously, when demon called Adi Hiranyaksha took (theft) away by his lila (bad play) the ocean, rivers, mountains and whole earth like a folded mat (chape), Sri Hari killed (destroyed) him like a fire igniting to the forest (heap) of cotton destroying (burning) by a fraction of a second.
Sri Varaha has used water (ocean) as his play ground (jala kr^ide). When he lifted the earth from his pointed tooth (kore hallu), with the black portion of the earth and his white pointed tooth were looking like decorated black water-lily (naidele) flowers. The earth (bhoomi devataa) has used Sri Varaha's thigh portion as her roaming (viraha) place. The god men (saints, yogi's) who does continuous penance and austerity in forests and who eats roots and bulbous roots are saluting to him and they arehappy & pleased by doing the same. The same Sri Varaha is being saluted by Sri Vadiraja in this verse.
OM srI narasI.mhAya namaH
daMbholitIxNanakha saMbheditendraripu kuMbhIndra pAhi kR^ipayA
|
staMbhArbha kAsahanaDiMbhAya dattavara gaMbhIra nAda nR^ihare
|
aMbhodijAnusaraNAMbhojabhUpavana kuMbhIna sesha khagarAT.h |
kuMbhIndra kR^ittidhara jambhAli shhaNmukha mukhAMbhoru hAbhi nuta
mAm.h || 8||
Translation
===========
Lord Narasimha has killed Indra's enemy Hiranya Kashipu through his
sharpest nails which is equal to 'vajrayudha' (Indra's defence weapon)
this act is similar to the Lion brutally killing (breaking) an elephant.
Like many others Lord Narasimha was not born out of any relationship with
the parents, he was born out of wall pillar and he may be called pillar
son. Lord Narasimha will not excuse any enemies of Vaishnavas (Vishnu)
or he will not paradon enemies of Vaishnavas (Vishnu). He was very
much pleased to the prayers of small kid Prahlada, who is the son of Hiranya
Kashipu and Lord has blessed him for his devotion. Narasimha's, (one
of the paramathma's manifestation) roaring sound is very pleasant to hear.
Sri Lakshmi Devi is pleasing (praying) Sri Narasimha without any interruption.
Others like Brahma, Vayu, Shesha, Garuda, Rudra, Indra, Shanumkha (Subramanya)
and other demi gods are praying him through their lotus face. Sri Vadiraja
is praying Sri Narasimha to protect him.
OM srI vAmanAya namaH
piN^gAxa vikrama turaN^gAdi sainya chaturaN^gA valipta danuja
|
sAN^gA dhvarastha bali sAN^gAvapAta hR^ishhitAN^gA marAlinuta te
|
shR^iN^gAra pAdanakha tuN^gAgrabhinna kana kAN^gANDapatti taTinI
|
tuN^gAti maN^gala taraN^gA bhibhUta bhaja kAN^gAgha vAmana namaH
|| 9||
Translation
===========
Sri Vadiraja is explaining Sri Vamana's manifestation.
Asura's (demons) use to have Horses, Elephants, Chariots, Cavalary and Infantry army (it is called chaturanga bala) which are all as powerful and courgeous as lions. Because of this they were very egostic (proud) by themselves. They also use to do burnt offer (yaga) through vedas. But these yaga's are without Vishnu's rememberance, that's why these yaga's are defective (incomplete) and which were not giving any results (virtues).
Bali Chakravarthy also started one such yaga. Vishnu who manifested in the form of Vamana went to Bali who was the leader of the yagna, and seeks him three foots of land (earth) as donation. In the form of Tivikrama (head of three regions), he measures one complete foot of upper region, one complete foot with lower region and third foot he kept on Bali's head and pushed him (live body) to the pathala (abode of serpents and demons).
On seeing this wonderful incident devataas were astonished and bristling, and started praying (worshipping) Sri Hari in the form of Sri Vamana and Sri Tivikrama. When Sri Tivikrama took off his beautiful foot at the height,(for measuring) his foot nails touched Brahmanda (universe) resulting in making hole (broken) and God Ganga river which was there outside the universe started flowing inside the universe through this. Sri Hari's devotees who are in contact with the Ganga's waves which is at certain height and which is considered to be sacred has cleaned (purified) the stains (dirt) of their bodies both inside and outside. Sri Vadiraja is praying that the same Sri Vamana who has done and doing wonderful things, remembering him and saluting to him.
ON srI vAmanAya namaH
dhyAnArha vAmana tanonAtha pAhi yajamAnA sureshavasudhA |
dAnAya yAchanika lInArtha vAgvashita nAnAsadasya danuja |
mInAN^ka nirmala nishAnAtha koTila samAnAtma mauJNjiguNakau |
pInAchchha sUtrapada yAnAta patrakara kAnamyadaNDavarabhR^it.h
|| 10||
Translation
===========
Sri Hari who is in the form of Sri Vamana is worthy of praying. Sri
Vamana went to Balichakravarthy who has taken the oath of doing yaga (burnt
offer) asked land as donation as a seeker (Yachaka, begger). Sri Vamana
sudued (tamed, mesmerised) other members who are with Balichakravarthy
by his secretive and intersting talks. Sri Vamana who was wearing
a bachelor form (brahmachari) was shining (brightening, splendour) which
is equal to the crores of Manmatha's put together and even he was as bright
as moon which does not have any defects (full moon). He was wearing 'maunji'
in his waist portion (it is made out of maunji grass, usually bachelors
(brahmachari's) wear this twisted form after the upanayana) kaupina (langoti,
a piece of cloth to cover the vital portion of the body) and yagnopavita
(sacred thread, janivara). He was holding umbrella, kamandalu (vessel
containing water) and special stick (danda)in his hands . He was
coming to the yaga's place by his foot while muttering Veda lessons from
his mouth. Sri Vadiraja is praying that the same Sri Hari who is the form
of Sri Vamana to protect him (all).
OM srI parashurAmAya namaH
dhairyAmbudhe parashucharyAdhikR^ittakhala varyAvanIshvara mahA
|
shauryAbhibhUtakR^ita vIryAtmatajAbhuja vIryAvalepanikara |
bhAryAparAdhakupitAryAGYayAgalitanAryAtma sUgala taro |
kAryAparAdhamavichAryArya maughajayi vIryAmitA mayi dayA || 11||
Translation
===========
Sri Parashurama Deva has got the ocean of courage. He has used
his axe (kodali) in a surprising (variegated) manner to kill (destroy)
many kshatr^iya kings. With his powerful shoulders he destroyed Karthvirayaarjuna's
shoulder's pride the one who has cheated his father. At one time when his
mother Renuka Devi while bringng water, she was attracted and fell in love
with one Gandharva King in her mind. On knowing her adultery (vyabhichara)
mind her husband Sri Jamadagni saint has ordered his youngest son Sri Parashurama
to cut off (chip off) her head. On hearing his orders and without knowing
the cause (fault) of his mother Sri Parashurama has chipped off her head
like axe chipping off the tree. This heroic (powerful) act is more than
equal to the powers of Sun group (surya samuha). Sri Vadiraja is
praying Sri Parashurama to be kind enough (sympanthy towards him) to him
always.
OM srI rAmAya namaH
shrIrAmalaxmaNashukArAma bhUravatugaurAmalAmitamaho |
hArAmarastuta yashorAmakAntisuta norAmanorathahara |
svArAmavaryaripu vIrAmayArdhikara chIrAmalAvR^itakaTe |
svArAma darshanajamArAmayAgatasughorAmanoramalabdhakalaha ||
12||
Translation
===========
Sri Vadiraja is explaining Sri Rama avatara
Sri Ramachandra, you are like roaming garden for parrot like lakshmana. (This means that Lakshmana will be pleased (feels utmost happy) in serving Sri Rama). You are wearing Perl necklace which is as pure in white (whitish) and very splendour. All Devataas (demi gods) are praising your fame continuously. Your body is beautiful and charming. While returning from Mithile (mithila) after marrying Sita you had a fight (difference) with Parasurama who is entirely different from you, just to show the lila (play). You have faught with demons who are Indra's enemies and made them diseased (psychological disease, manoroga). You have destroyed the desires of demon called Shoorpanaki resulting in loosing her ears and nose after she fell love with you at first sight. This has happened when you were roaming in Panchavati with virtuous fibre (linen, naru) cloth covering your charming waist portion. Sri Vadiraja is praying Sri Hari who is in the form of Sri Ramachandra please protect him.
OM srI rAmAya namaH
shrIkeshavapradishanAkesha jAtakapilokesha bhagnaravibhU |
stoketarArtiharaNAkevalArtasukhadhIkekikAlajalada |
sAketanAthavarapAkeramukhyasuta kokena bhaktimatulAm.h |
rAkendu biMbamukha kAkexaNApaha hR^ishIkesha te.aN^ghrikamale
|| 13||
Translation
===========
Sri Rama has rescued (given shelter) to Sugriva, who was beaten and
thrown out by his elder brother Indra who was in the form of Vali. Also
Sri Rama blessed Sugriva be getting back his kingdom from his brother and
destroyed (cleared) all his miseries. Brahmagyanis (those who are having
knowledge about vedas, scriptures etc) are like peacocks they possess specialquality
of keeping away their materialistic happiness and having their mind always
with Sri Hari. For these Brahmagyanis, Sri Ramachandra will act as
clouds with full of water to keep them happy. Sri Ramachandra is virtous
son of Dasharatha who was the king of Ayodhya. For Mukhya Prana's
son Hanumantha he keeps happy like Sun keeping happy to Chakra vaka bird
(This is suppose to be ruddy goose which male and female keep together
and are patterns of connubial happiness). Sri Rama's has got beautiful
face and it reflects full moon. He destroyed one eye of demon called
Kakasura and his supporters ie crows, when he tormented (hurted) Sita (refer
context). One who controls all organs of the body and the one who
is superior (leader) to Sri Lakshmi Devi, Brahma, Rudra, and all demi Gods.
Sri Vadiraja is praying to Sri Ramachandra to give him pure devotion to
pray through his (Sri Rama's) lotus foots.
Note of Context
~~~~~~~
While living in the forest once, Sri Rama was sleeping keeping his
head in Sita's thigh portion at that time Kuranga (in the lineage of Jayantha)
a demon bited Sri Sita's waist portion. After getting up and after
knowing the incidence Sri Rama made virtuous weapon out of grass (darbe,
kusa grass) launched the same to Kakasura. The weapon attacked Kakasura
where ever he goes, he went for rescue (asking shelter) with all the people
in vain and finally he came to Sri Rama's rescue. For all crows,
Kuranga was the leader. Kuranga was staying in Jayantha's eye who
was in the form of Crow. Sri Ramachandra destroyed Kuranga by destroying
Jayatha's one eye where he was residing. After this incidence and
the result of giving shelter to the demon all crows from then onwards were
having only one eye. (Source Maha Bharatha Tatparya Nirnaya Chapter 5)
OM srI rAmAya namaH
rAmenR^INAM hR^idabhirAmenarAshikula bhImemanodyaramatAm.h |
gomedinIjayitapomeyagAdhisuta kAmenivishhTa manasI |
shyAme sadA tvayijitAmeya tApasaja rAme gatAdhikasame |
bhImeshachApadalanAmeyashauryajita vAme xaNe vijayinI || 14||
Translation
===========
The powerful (mighty) Sri Ramachandra is pleasant to the minds of all
the people. When great saint Vishwamitra, who acquired heaven and earth
by doing penance, invited Sri Rama to the forest he fulfiled his ambition
and blessed him by going along with him. Sri Ramachandra, one who
has got pleasant (beautiful) dark-coloured body, while on his way from
the place called Mithale, he faced invitation for war from Parashurama,
one who was born in saint family (dynasty, vamsha). Although Sri Rama &
Parashurama are different incarnation of same Sri Hari, at that time Sri
Rama has shown his play (lila) by winning the war. There is nobody
in the world who is superior and/or equal to Sri Hari. Before meeting
Parashurama, Sri Rama has shown his unmeasured (unlimited) courage and
fame to the world, by breaking dangerours looking Shiva's (Rudra's) bow.
After the incidence Sita devi weds to Sri Rama. Sri Vadiraja is telling
that like this Sri Rama has won all the times at all the places and prays
that his mind should always be winning and roaming around with Sri Hari
who is in the form of Sri Rama.
OM srI sItAsvarUpINaI shhrIyai namaH
kAntAragehakhala kAntAraTadvadana kAntAlakAntakasharam.h |
kAntArayAmbujani kAntAnvavAyavidhu kAntAshmabhAdipahare |
kauntAliloladala kAntAbhishobhitila kAntAbhava.ntamanusA |
kAntAnuyAnajita kAntAradurgakaTa kAntAramAtvavatu mAm.h
|| 15||
Translation
===========
Sri Ramachandra, you are shining like moon-stone (fabulous gem) to
the Sun Dynasty. Your wife Sri Sita is following you on the borders
of the mountains and forests which are difficult to access. Her face is
looking like shining black bees, she is decorated her face with curly hairs
which are fickle (unsteady, shaky) and has the edges of tilaka in her forehead
(tilaka= ornamental mark on the forehead with coloured earth). The Forest
which you are walking (roaming) possess dangerous demons (rakshaas, asuras)
who are living with their wives. These she demons are always talking
and speaking vulgar (bad) words and their face is decorated by curly hairs.
When you destroyed all of them their face decoration was looking very ugly.
Sri Sita is following your bow without any fear, which has concluded (finished)
the she demons curly hairs decoration. Sri Vadiraja is praying Sri
Lakshmi who is in the form of Sri Sita to protect him.
OM srI rAmAya namaH
dAntaM dashAnana sutA.ntaM dharAmadhivasa.ntaM prachaNDa tapasA
|
klA.ntaM sametya vipinA.ntaM tvavApa yamana.ntaM tapasvi paTalam.h
|
yAntaM bhavArati bhayAntaM mamAshu bhagava.ntaM bhareNa bhajatAt.h
|
svA.ntaM savAri danujA.ntaM dharAdharaNishAntaM sa tApasavaram.h
|| 16||
Translation
===========
In Chitrakoota parvatha (mountain, forest) when Sri Ramachandra was
living there were many saints were also there. They were doing vigourous
penance and are observing strict austerity and control over their organs
(indriya nighraha), because of that they were very weak. Ravana and
his followers (demons) were disturbing (giving torments) these saints.
When Sri Rama was living in this mountain he destroyed all demons who were
disturbing the yaga's (burnt offer) which the saints were doing, because
of that all saints were living there without any fear and also without
having any samsaric miseries. Like this Sri Vadiraja is praying that the
God who has the wealth of resources is Sri Ramachandra and praying him
to give peace of mind and utmost devotion towards him at all times (always).
OM srI rAmAya namaH
shaMpAbhachApalava kaMpAsta shatrubala saMpAditAmitayashAm.h
|
shaM pAda tAmarasa saMpAti nola manu kaMpAra sena dishame |
saMpAti paxi sahajaMpApa rAvaNa hataM pAvanaM yada kR^ithAH |
tvAM pApa kUpa pati taM pAhi mAM tadapi paMpA sarasta Tachara
|| 17||
Translation
===========
Sri Ramachandra bow is shining like lightening sparkles and with mere
(little) shakening (movement) it destroyed many armies of enemies. By doing
this (winning of enemies) Sri Rama has earned unmeasured fame. Sri Vadiraja
is praying to Sri Ramachandra to be kind enough (pitiful, merciful) to
him and prays him to bless the quality of bowing and praying his feet always
which gives him happiness.
Sri Vadiraja also prays Sri Ramachandra to lift him from the well of sins (paapa kupa) (pit, hole) and protect him like the wise he has blessed the bird Jatayu with moksha (adobe), while on his way to Pampa sarovara (pond). Jatayu is the brother of the bird Sampathi and the one who has made war and lost with sinful Ravana.
OM srI rAmAya namaH
lolAxyapexitasulIlAkuraN^gavada khelAkutUhala gate |
svAlApabhUmijanibAlApahAryanuja pAlAdyabho jaya jaya |
bAlAgnidagdhapura shAlAnilAtmajani phAlAttapattalarajo |
nIlAN^gadAdikapi mAlAkR^itAlipatha mUlAbhyatIta jaladhe || 18||
Translation
===========
On seeing (from her fickle/shaky eyes) beautiful golden studded (illusion)
jugglery deer, Sita Devi (daughter of earth) desired (wanted) to have it
her own and to play with it. Though Sri Rama knew that it is shrewd
(clever) Maricha who is in the form of animal deer and by showing others
curiosity he went behind the same. Later when Ravana theft (robbed)
Sita and Sri Rama went in search of her near Lanka, Vibhishana approached
him for help and shelter. Sri Rama blessed Vibhishana and promised him
with the kingdom of Lanka.
Hanumantha, Vayu's son has been assigned the job of searching Sita. In order to accomplish his responsibility he crossed the ocean, went to the city of Lanka, entered Ashoka park (vana), met Sita and given the message from Sri Rama. On completing the mission, Hanumatha started destroying the trees of Ashoka Vana and there he faced big war with Ravana's followers (asuras). Though Hanumantha can sustain Indrajit's Brahmastra, he acted as if he has mesmerised (went to coma) by the weapon, then he was taken to Ravana's court. There Ravana did not like Sri Hanumatha behaviour of not respecting (disrespecting) him and went on to put fire to Sri Hanumatha's long tail. From the same fire Hanumantha has burnt the Chandra Shale (upper room of the palace) and other buildings of Lanka. Then he crossed the ocean to give the message to Sri Rama from Sita Devi. The same Hanumantha always keeps Sri Rama's foot dust (particales) in his ore head.
Sri Rama crossed the ocean and went near Lanka by the bridge which was onstructed by the monkey's army consisting of Nila, Angada, Nala and others under his direction. Sri Vadiraja is praying and praising Sri Ramachandra that he is always winning and winning.
OM srI rAmAya namaH
tUNIrakArmukakR^ipANIkiNAN^kabhuja pANI ravipratimabhAH |
xoNibhapattinubha ghoNI mukhAdighanaveNIsuraxaNakaraH |
shoNibhavannayana koNI jitAmbunidhi pANI ritArhaNamaNI |
shreNIvR^itAN^ghririha vANIshasUnuvara vANIstuto vijayate ||
19||
Translation
===========
Sri Ramachandra always wearing quiver (bithalike), bows, sword while
defending in the war. That's why he has got the marks of holding
these weapons in his body (ie in hands and shoulders). Sri Ramachandra's
radiance (splendour) is equal to or more than the Sun radiance. He
has protected the large mountain battalion (lines) of monkey armies and
had control over all of them. When Sri Rama saw king of Ocean, Varuna
shouting (behaving abnormally, arbhata) before constructing the bridge
accross the ocean, by seeing through the edges of his eyes, King of ocean
surrendered by bowing to him with lots (lines) of gems (jewels, precious
stones and perl) to his feet. Sri Rama's feet was looking beautiful
by the decoration of these jewels. Hanumantha, one who is the husband
of Bharathi and son of Mukhya Prana after burning Lanka from his tail fire
came to Sri Rama and made Sri Rama's feet dust (particales) as tilaka (ornamental
mark made on the forehead with coloured earth). Sri Rama along with Nila,
Angadha monkeys has built a bridge across the ocean and crossed the same.
Sri Vadiraja is praising Sri Ramachandra that he is always excellent and
winning.
OM srI rAmAya namaH
huN^kArapUrvamataTaN^kAranAdamati paN^kAvadhArya chalitA |
laN^kAshilochchayavishaN^kA padadbhidura shaN^kAshhayasya dhanushhaH
|
laN^kAdhipomanutayaN^kAlarAtrimiva shaN^kAshatAkuladhiyA |
taN^kAladaNDashata saN^kAshakArmukha sharAN^kAnvitaM bhaja harim.h
|| 20||
Translation
===========
After constructing the bridge across the ocean and on reaching the
out skirts of Lanka Sri Rama roared with "HUM" and from his bows he made
'TINKARA' ( Tinkara is the sound one makes through the threads of bow).
On hearing this sound, sinful land Lanka city and other conceited devataas
starting suspecting that it may be of Vajrayudha (Indra's defence weapon)
which has come to destroy (cut off) the wings of mountains, which in turn
may fall on them and started fearing about it. In Ravana's mind also
there were hundreds of suspicion were born on hearing the above sounds.
His mind was shaken by that and started feeling that he might be on his
way to death time through the form of Sri Rama. Sri Hari who is in
the form of Sri Rama, one who is wearing bows and arrows which are equal
to hundreds of Yama's sticks (Yama danda), and he has been called 'Kodanda
Rama'.
Sri Vadiraja is praying Sri Ramchandra to give him mind to pray him always.
OM srI rAmAya namaH
dhImAnameyatanujApANDabhUdhashashajapAMbujAti suhR^idAm.h |
kAmAripannagapa kAmAhi vairiguru somAdivandya mahima |
sthemAdinApagata sImAvatAtsakhala sAmAja rAvaNaripU |
rAmAbhido harirabhaumAkR^itiH pratana sAmAdi vedavishhayaH ||
21||
Translation
===========
Sri Ramachandra is all wise (sarvagna, all knowing). His body
is charming which one cannot be explained (understand) fully (aprameya).
For those who are suffering (worried) praying through his name will make
them auspicious (sacred, good). Sri Lakshmi Devi, Brahma, Rudra,
Shesha, Kama (manmatha), Indra, Guru, Chandra are all praising him continuously
without any interuuptions. Sri Hari's business of Protecting and
extinction cannot be understood fully (beyond one's understanding and imagination).
The same Sri Hari who is in the form of Sri Rama became killer (destroyer)
for Ravana and his ministers.
Sri Narayana is the one who doesnot have definite (natural, fixed form) body (apakrita) and one who is being proved (fit) to be explained from the ancient Vedas which are being called apourasheyaa. Sri Vadiraja Yathi is praying the same Sri Narayana who is in the form of Sri Ramachandra to protect all the people.
OM srI rAmAya namaH
doshhAtmabhUvashaturAshhADatikramaja doshhAtmabhartR^ivachasa
|
pAshhANabhUtamuniyoshhAvarAtmatanuveshAdidAyicharaNaH |
naishhAdhayoshhidhasubheshhAkR^idaNDajani doshhAcharAdi suhR^ido
|
doshhAgrajanmamR^itishoshhApaho.avatu sudoshhAN^ghrijAtahananAt.h
|| 22||
Translation
===========
One night Indra (who is afflicted to kama (lust)) who enacted like
Gautama saint and destroyed the fidelity (loyalty to a husband) of beautiful
looking Ahalya, who is the wife of saint Gautama. On knowing this
act saint wildered Gautama cursed Ahalya to become stone (even he cursed
Indra also). By touching the stone of Ahalya Sri Rama blessed her
with previous body with all wearing dresses and jewels as it is.
He also blessed great people like Shabari, the tribal born women, Jatayu,
the one who is born in the family of eating dead bodies and flushes etc
and Vibhishana, the one who is born in the family of demons. Sri
Rama blessed these great people with all good and sacred things.
Long time back in Ayodhya, Shambuka who has born as Sudra (man from fourth caste) did penance which is not eligible for him and was born to a Brahmana's (born first from God) son. Because of that he (Brahmana's son) had very brief (short) life. On knowing this, Sri Rama killed Shambuka and saved Brahmana's son.
Sri Vadiraja is praying the same Sri Ramachandra to protect him.
OM srI kR^ishnAya namaH
vR^i.ndAvanasthapashu vR^i.ndAvanaM vinuta vR^i.ndArakaikasharaNam.h
|
na.ndAtmajaM nihata ni.ndA kR^idA surajanandAmabaddha jaTharam.h
|
vandAmahe vayama mandAvadAtaruchi mAndAxakArivadanam.h |
kundAlidantamuda kandAsitaprabhatanu.ndAvarAxasaharam.h || 23||
Translation
===========
Sri Vadiraja is praying Sri Krishna in this verse.
Sri Krishna use to protect all the groups of cows which are living in Vrindavana. For Indra and other devataas, who are sheltering and praying him he will act as chief protector. He has manifested as son of Nanda Gopa. He destroyed all demons (asuras) who are abusing devataas. He has been called 'Damodara' because when he broke the curds vessel his mother Yashodara got wild for his knotty play and tied his beautiful looking stomach with the tag to the grinding stone. His face is shining (splendour) like complete sixteen arts of moon (shodasha kala pari poorna). By seeing his beautiful face even moon himself feeling shy. His teeths are shining like a lines of Jasmine (vertical length) which are grown usually in the month of maga (11th lunar month). His body is charming (splendour) like black clouds with full of water. The same Sri Krishna use to roam around Vrindavan by killing all demons living there.
Sri Vadiraja is praying that all devotees are saluting the same Sri Krishna paramathma again and again.
OM srI kR^ishnAya namaH
gopAlakotsavakR^itApArabhaxarasa sUpAnnalopakupitA |
shApAlayApitalayApAMbudAlisalilApAyadhAritagire |
sApAN^gadarshanajatApAN^ga rAgayuta gopAN^ga nAMshuka hR^iti
|
vyApAra shauNDavividhApAya tatsvamava gopArijAtaharaNa || 24||
Translation
===========
Nandadi (those living in the place called Nanda Gokula) Gopala's (those
who are looking after cows are called Gopala's) started doing customery
festival to Indra (called Indrotsava). In that festival Gopala's have prepared
Holige (sweet cake), Payasa (liquid sweet dish), Tovve (dish prepared from
Toor dal) and different types of rices (cooked rice, mixture rice) to offer
the same to Indra. But Krishna suggested to perform the same puja (festival)
to Govardhana Mountain in Vridavana instead of Indra. On Sri Krishna
suggestion Gopala's offered all the above items to Govardhana Mountain,
Sri Krishna received all these offerings by his presence in one form inside
the Govardhana Mountain. Indra got very wild with the stopping of
his puja (festival). Then Indra sent clouds with full of water and started
pouring heavy rains in Vridavana. This rain was equal to the waters
gushing during the extinction time. By this Indra created dangers
to all cows and Gopala's. Then Sri Krishna lifted Govardhana mountain
and protected and given shelter to all Gopala's and their cows (below)
under the mountain.
Sri Krishna who has the quality of Manmatha by attracting beautiful Gopika ladies by seeing through the edges of his eyes. By attracting all these Gopika ladies all of them desired to have him as their husband. By showing his play Sri Krishna robbed the sarees of these beautiful looking ladies when they were taking bath in the river Yamuna and kept on the top of the trees. He also realised their pure love and devotion and blessed all them. The same Sri Krishna has stolen the Parijatha Tree which was there in adobe and brought to Dwaraka. He also killed the demon called Vyamasura who is the enemy of Gopala's.
Sri Vadiraja is praying that Sri Krishna has done like this many wonderful things and has solved many dangers and he is praying to solve many dangers.
OM srI kR^ishnAya namaH
kaMsAdikAsadavataMsA vanIpativihiMsAkR^itAtmajanushham.h |
saMsArabhUtamiha saMsArabaddhamana saMsArachitsukhatanum.h |
saMsAdhaya.ntamanishaMsAttvikavratamahaMsAdaraM bata bhaje |
haMsAditApasariraMsAspadaM paramahaMsAdi vandya charaNaM || 25||
Translation
===========
When demons like Kamsa were born in this earth (bhuloka, world) and
were giving torments (trouble) to good (sacred) people, Sri Krishna has
manifested to kill (destroy) them. Sri Narayana who manifested in
the form of Sri Krishna is Sarvothama (has all the good qualities).
For those who are praying him (hari bhaktas, devotees) he will oblige to
bless them according to their devotion gradation and liberates them.
He (Sri Krishna) will bless knowlege, Ananda (Happiness which is above
materialistic happiness) in the present form of body and he will give continuous
satisfaction in all their endevours. The great saints like Hamsa,
Paramahamsa are remembering and praying Sri Krishna continuously (without
any interruptions) and are feeling happy (pleasure) in doing the same.
Sanaka-Sanandadi saints (since ancient time seers, r^ishis) are praying
Sri Hari and saluting to his auspicious feet in particular.
Sri Vadiraja is telling that the same foot he is praying (devoting) continuously (without any interuptions).
OM srI kR^ishnAya namaH
rAjIva netravidurAjIvamAmavatu rAjIva ketanavasham.h |
vAjIbhapattinR^ibharAjI rathAnvitaja rAjIva garvashamana |
vAjIshavAhasita vAjIsha daitya tanu vAjIsha bhedakaradoH |
jAjIkadaMbanava rAjIva mukhyasuma rAjIsuvAsitashiraH || 26||
Translation
===========
In this verse Sri Vadiraja is praying Sri Krishna to bless him to destroy
the desires of all organs in the body.
Sri Krishna has the eyes which is similar to the lotus flowers. Vidura and other similar gyanis (knowledge people) believe that Sri Krishna is their protector and they are all sheltered (depend) on him. Jarasanda who is the king of Magadha with his armies which constitutes elephants, horses, cavalary, ratha's (car) and infantry armies along with the dependent kings armies attacked Mathura city many a times and each time he was lost against Sri Krishna and Sri Krishna not only won against him and also destroyed his egotism (pride). Garuda one who is the king (leader) of birds is Sri Krishna vechicle (carrier). Sri Krishna is acting as the master to Arjuna, who is sitting in the car (ratha) which constitutes white horses. (That's why his ratha (car) is being called 'Shwetha Vahana' (white vechicle)).
Sri Krishna has destroyed one demon called 'Keshi' who came in the form of horse and was giving torments (troubles) to Gopala's by putting his hand inside the horse mouth and blocking the respiratory system.
Sri Krishna's head is decorated by the fragrant flowers like Jasmine, Kadamba, Lotus and other flowers.
Sri Vadiraja is praying Sri Krishana that Manmatha (Kama's master) is trying (wishing, desire) to enter his body and please destroy him (chase him).
OM srI kR^ishnAya namaH
kAlIhR^idAvasatha kAlIyakuNDalipa kAlIsthapAdanakhara |
vyAlInavAMshukara vAligaNAruNita kAlIruche jaya jaya |
kelIlavApahR^ita kAlishadattavara nAlIkatR^iptaditibhU |
chUlIkagopamahilAlItanUghusR^iNadhUlIkaNAN^kahR^idaya || 27||
Translation
===========
On the deep waters of river Yamuna there lived a serpent king cobra
by name Kaliya. By the snake's presence there was air of poison and
living beings like cows, Gopala's and animal birds were having uncomfortable
(difficulty) in their living. In order to destroy (kill) Kaliya Sri
Krishna jumped into the deep water of Yamuna and started doing dance on
the heads (expanded hood of a cobra, hede) of Kaliya. By doing so
he made Kaliya to ommit all the poison from him and made him to go to some
other place. When Sri Krishna has put his foot on the top of Kaliya's
head (expanded hood of a cobra, hede) his nails were shining like a Sun.
When reddish sun's sparkles are falling on the nails of Sri Krishna and
reflecting on the river Yamuna, Yamuna river was looking full of red.
Demons who acquired boons (blessings) from the devataas like Ishwara (Rudra) were having lot of egoism (pride) and were troubling good people. Sri Krishna kidnapped all these demons and destroyed their heads comfortably without any problems.
Sri Krishna was decorated by the dusts (small particles) of fragrance smell in his heart (chest) place which he got from the beautiful looking Gopika ladies. Sri Vadiraja is praying Sri Krishna that he is always wining and winning.
OM srI kR^ishnAya namaH
kR^ishhNAdi pANDusuta kR^ishhNA manaHprachura tR^ishhNA sutruptikaravAk.h
|
kR^ishhNAN^kapAlirata kR^ishhNAbhighAghahara kR^ishhNAdishhaNmahiLa
bhoH |
pushhNAtu mAmajita nishhNAda vArdhimuda nushhNAMshu maNDala hare
|
jishhNo girIndra dhara vishhNo vR^ishhAvaraja ghR^ishhNo bhavAnkaruNaya
|| 28||
Translation
===========
Five Pandava sons (brothers) and Drupadi were having strong (intensive)
desire in their minds to destroy (kill) Duryodhana & co. and
are having a feeling that by doing so (killing them) Dharma can be reinstated.
Sri Krishna assured (promised) them that he will help in this regard and
made them to feel happy about the same. The same Sri Krishna will
protect for those who wear his symbols like conch-shell and discuss (these
people are his devotees) and he will destroy all their sins also.
He is accompanied by Kalindi and other six prime wives. Sri Krishna
will act as a river to the ocean of happiness for sacred (good) people.
He has been called Ajitha (one who cannot win against him), Jishnu (winner),
Vishnu (Omini present), Giridhara, (wearing Govardhana mountain), Vamana
(Indra's brother) and Courageous by the very popular name Sri Krishna.
Sri Vadiraja is praying him to be kind enough towards him and also praying him for further growth.
OM srI kR^ishNaya namaH
AmAshiromaNidharAmAsametabalarAmAnujAbhidharatim.h |
vyomAsurA.ntakara te mAratAta dishame mAdhavAN^ghrikamale |
kAmArtabhaumapura rAmAvalIpraNaya vAmAxipItatanubhA |
bhImAhinAthamukhavaimAnikAbhinuta bhimAbhivandya charaNa || 29||
Translation
===========
Bhudevi, Sridevi and Rukmini are considered to be supreme (most) beautiful
devataas are Sri Krishna's wives. Though Sri Krishna is not young
in any respect (to any body) he has manifested as Balarama's younger brother
and shown his lila and has become very popular. He has killed demon
called Vyamasura who was giving trouble to Gopala's and Gopika's and made
them to feel happy about it.
When Narakasura was tormenting (troubling) good people, Sri Krishna went to Pragjyothipur in the city of Narakasura and destroyed him by liberating 16,000 beautiful ladies. These beautiful ladies were knowing Sri Krishna's good qualities and after seeing him they were all showing interest to marry him. By their beautiful eyes they started doing 'amruthapana' (happiness which is equal to drinking Amrutha) to Sri Krishna. Later Sri Krishna has accepted all of them as his wives.
The same Sri Krishna is being prayed by Brhma, Rudra and other devataas and Bhimasena is saluting to his lotus feet. Sri Vadiraja is praying that Sri Krishna has to give him complete devotion to pray to his lotus feet.
OM srI kR^ishNAya namaH
saxveLabhaxyabhaya dAxishravo gaNaja lAxepapAshayamanam.h |
lAxAgR^ihajvalana raxo hiDimbabaka bhaixAnnapUrvavipadaH |
axAnuba.ndhabhavarUxAxarashravaNa sAxAnmahishhyavamati |
kaxAnuyAnamadhamaxmApasevanamabhIxNApahAsamasatAm.h || 30||
chaxANa evanija paxAgrabhUdhashashhadAxAtmajAdi suhR^idAm.h |
AxepakArikunR^ipAxauhiNIshajabalAxobhadIxitamanAH |
tArxyAsichApasharatIxNAripUrvanija laxmANichApyagaNayan.h |
vR^ixAlayadhvajariraxAkaro jayati laxmIpatiryadupatiH || 31||
Translation
===========
In these two verse Sri Vadiraja is explaining Sri Krishna concern towards
devotees and love towards Pandavas.
Tormented Duryodhana made Bhimasena who is considered to be equal to
his nature to under go the follwing troubles: Duryodhana made Bhimasena
to eat poisonous sweets like laddu and other sweets, because of Sri Krishnas
blessings Bhima digested all those eatables. Duryodhana made poisonous
snakes to bite Bhimasena, by doing so snakes lost their teeths, but it
has not affected Bhima.
When Bhimasena was fast asleep, Duryodhana tied him with strong
threads and with his assistants he has thrown him to the deep waters of
Ganga, even at that time Bhima was not affected. At that time Bhima
went to Pathala (lower region) and drank eight pots of Amrutha which Vasuki
(snake) has given and came out with more powers.
When Pandavas were living in the woods jealous (envious) Duryodhana
tried to kill (destroy) them by burning inside the wax house where they
were residing. By the blessing of Sri Krishna they all (Pandavas)
escaped from this trouble.
Bhimasena crossed the river Ganga, there he killed the
demon called Hidimba. Later in the city of Ekachakra when all pandavas
are living as Seekers (bhikshakaru), Bhimasena killed Bhakasura.
From there they moved to the city of Panchala there they got
married to Drupadi and returned to Hastinavati where they were all living
on getting the half of their share of their kingdom.
Again tormented Duryodhana invited Pandavas for betting and through
deceitful Shakuni made pandavas to lose the game and sent them to the woods
(forests) again.
Duryodhana and company were always talking very bad about
Pandavas. By the blessings of Sri Krishna Pandavas completed the
period of living in woods (vanavasa) and were living in disguise in the
court of the king Virata who is lower in their cadre.
At all these times many bad people were making radicule (mockery)
of sacred Padavas again and again and were laughing.
All these things were seen by Sri Krishna and according to his
will (wish, purpose) he made arrangements for the great Mahabharatha War.
Sri Krishna along with his own man Bhimasena, his eldest brother Dharamaraja and Indra's son Arjuna and many good people decided to wage war and destroy Duryodhana and his associates and Akshohini army. For this purpose he left Garuda his vechicle and king of birds, sword called Nanda, bow called Shagrya & arrows, sharpened sudharshana wheel and became the driver (sarathi) to Arjuna's vechicle (ratha) where Hanuma's flag has been hoisted, mainly to protect him. This decision (will, purpose) is very great.
Sri Vadiraja is praying that Sir Krishna paramathama is big by doing all these things.(The above two verses are combined and explained, this mode is called 'yugma'.)
OM srI bhuddhAya namaH, OM srI kalkIne namaH
buddhAvatArakavi baddhAnukaMpakuru baddhAJNjalau mayi dayAm.h
|
shauddhodanipramukha saiddhAntikA sugama bauddhAgamapraNayana
|
kruddhAhitAsuhR^itisiddhAsikheTadhara shuddhAshvayAnakamalA |
shuddhAntamAMruchipi maddhAkhilAN^ga nija maddhAva kalkyabhidha bhoH
|| 32||
Translations
============
There was a time, when the whole world (kaliyuga) was full of divine
culture and vaidic (sacred) environment and at the same time many demons
(asuras) were also born and started following the divine culture and learning
divine knowledge. Because of this dharma started decaying (spoilt)
in their hands.
During that time for the king of Shakya by name Shudhodhana a baby was born. It is understood that Sri Paramathma in the form of this baby started talking and preached that this world is void (shunya, empty) and all things which are happening are all miseries. This is suppose to be Bhuddha philosophy. (Sri Hari who is in the form of Baby has preached this).
In order to prove this philosophy is true to the people Sri Hari has swallowed all the weapons which devataas has attacked to the baby. After seeing these wonders and these incidents the King Shuddodaka and his followers started believing the new philosophy and started practising the same, by leaving aside the vedic philosophy.
After sometime the Paramathma who was in the form of baby has disappeared. and Shuddodaka son appeared again. Shuddodaka son grown up as Bhudda started preaching Bhudda philosophy which Paramathma has publicised previously. Even in Devaloka (adobe) Sri Paramathma has preached devataas (demi gods) the real essence of Bhudda philosophy which he has preached as Bhudda in this world. Sri Paramathma preached demi gods the essence of Bhudda philosophy which is publishised as 'Prashanthavidya' which even Shuddodaka's son Bhudda and his followers cannot understand this philosophy.
Sri Vadiraja is praying Sri Hari who is in the form of Bhudda to be kind to him by doing bhuddanjali.
Sri Vadiraja is praying Sri Hari who is in the form of Sri Kalki as one who is destroying (killing) wildered enemies and one who is wearing (holding) sword and shield and sitting on top of the pleasant horse. His body with all organs of the body are shining like splendour and Sri Vadiraja is praying that he is his own person who has to protect him.
OM srI badari nArAyana namaH
sAraN^ga kR^ittidhara sAraN^ga vAridhara sAraN^ga rAjavaradA
|
sAraN^ga dAritara sAraN^ga tAtmamada sAraN^gataushhadhabalam.h
|
sAraN^ga vatkusuma sAraN^ga taJNchatava sAraN^ga mAN^ghriyugalam.h
|
sAraN^ga varNamapa sAraN^ga tAbjamada sAraN^ga diMstvamava mAm.h
|| 33||
Translations
============
There is bird called 'Jataka' (which belongs to cuculus melnoleucus
family which suppose to live upon rain drops) which depends on rain and
this bird eagerly waits for the rain and when it sees clouds this bird
feel very happy and joyous. Sri Vadiraja is comparing the Jataka
bird to the R^ishis (saints) who wear deer skins as cloths and they will
be very happy to devote to Sri Hari and inturn Sri Hari act as clouds to
them like the same for Jataka bird. When king of Elephant was in difficulty
and having misery with the crocodile Sri Hari rushed towards him for rescue
and to bless him. (Great epic Gajendra Moksha)
Further, Sri Vadiraja is explaining for and behalf of the devotees who are living in this world to Sri Hari. In this materialistic world most of the devotees are attacked by the bhava roga (great disease, materialistic needs disesase) and are weakened by the same. Their pledges for doing good things, dharma etc are failing because of their egotism (assuming 'I', myself etc). There is no medicine to solve this kind of samsaric diseases or conlude (retire) these miseries except Sri Hari's rescue and shelter. All devotees are going to Sri Hari like the black bees going in search of flower to suck the juice.
Sri Vadiraja is praying that Sri Hari's feets are so beautiful even Lotus flower feel shy on seeing the same and the same feets are roaming on all parts of adobe (vaikunta). The same two feet Sri Vadiraja is taking refuge continuously (without any interruptions) and praying Sri Tivikrama who is wearing mace (club, gada) to protect him.
ma^nGAlA charana
grIvAsya vAhatanu devANDajAdidasha bhAvAbhirAma charitam.h |
bhAvAtibhavyashubha dIvAdirAjayati bhUvAgvilAsa nilayam.h |
shrIvAgadhIshamukha devAbhinamya harisevArchaneshhu paThatAm.h
|
AvAsa evabhavitAvAgbhavetarasurAvAsalokanikare || 34||
kR^ishnArpanamastu
==========================================================================
The original kannada translation has been taken from the following
book
Title : Sri Vadiraja Virachita Sri DashAvatAra Stuti.h
Translated in to kannada by : Acharya Saanur Bhima Bhattaru
Published by Sri Parimala Samshodhana and Publishing Mandira
Nanajangud - Bangalore. 1995.
Kindly provided by Sriman Madhusuna Rao.
