Tatachar"s question.

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Regarding the identiy of Nammazhwar(Satakopa Suri) and the Padhukas of Sri

Rangapati, the ten slokas of the second chapter of Padhuka Sahsram dwell on

this theme.I will send the full English translation of this chapter affter my

return from the current trip. Meanwhile, here is a quick digest of therelevant

portions of the verses of the Second chapter of the Glorious work of Swami

Desikan on the relationship between Nammazhwar and the Swami Satari (Sandals)::

 

1. Satakopa Samaakhyaa Tava Rangaturina Paduke Yuktah: is the statement of The

Composer of Padhuka Sahasram. He says it is indeed appropriate that You

(Ranganatha Padhuka) have the name of Satakopa(Nammazhwar). Both indicate

victory over the Sata Vayu , which results in total dedication and service to

the Lord"s Lotus feet without cease.

 

2. Ranga Vibrama Padhuke! Svayameva Aavisati sma Padhukathma Satakopa: O, The

foot rest of Ranganatha used by him for his plesant strollings! Satakopa has

entered this universe as your form (Incarnation) to bring the suffering souls

close to the Lord and His Consort thru adorning their heads (Padhuka

Sekharatvam) thru your form. They by wearing the Satari on their heads (bearing

you and your name sake Satakopa) get unparalleled blessings

 

3.Sataripu Tanoh Te Mukaat Nishpadhanti Praacheenaanam Sruti Parishataam

Agraganyaa: ---

You took the form of Satakopa and from your holy mouth emerged the Tamil Vedas ,

which took a place ahead of the Sanskrit Vedas.

 

4.. Satakopa Sureh: Karnamrutam Ghatasahasram, Manjupranaatham Tvam

Anusmaranthi. The thousand verses of Nammazhwar , which are delectable to the

ears remind one of the Most musical and delightful sounds associated with your

movement. It is because You and Nammazhwar are one and the same.

 

There are many more examples in Padhuka Sahasram that define the relationship

between the Divine Padhukas of the Lord of Sri Rangam and Nammazhwar. Swami

Desikan salutes them repeatedly as "Ranga pati Paadavani (sandals). Footrest may

be a little misleading term to use for the Sandals , since footrest may imply

the foot stool at the bottom of the throne of the Lord. Hence Sandals may be the

better word for the describtion of Padhukas in English .

 

V.Sadagopan

 

Dear Tatachar: Thanks for your kind words.