granting of liberation

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Shri Varadhan seems to have limited the meaning of Prapatti to one

process followed exclusively by Vadagalai Srivaishnava Acharyas.

Prapatti ultimately means to understand that we are the property of

Sriman Narayana and we exist to serve Him at all times, in all places

and under all circumstances. In a lecture given by Srimad Azhagiya

Singar the 44th Jeer of Sri Ahobila Mutt, He stated that there was a

Bhagavata who refused to accompany Bhagavan when it was time for his

Moksha unless Bhagavan also gave Moksha to a pitcher (vessel to hold

water) that was in his hut. After some arguments Bhagavan relented

and two Jivatmas that inhabited the pitcher got liberation along with

the Bhagavata. Vedanta Deshikar mentions in His minor Rahasyas that

Dasharatha did Prapatti to Kakasura and Draupadi did Prapatti to the

Pandavas. This Prapatti was not done in the same process or by

reciting Sharanagati Gadyam of Ramanuja. The concept of Prapatti as

used in the posting of Shri Dileepan is much wider. Even

Shankaracharya has finally said: "Oh Lord, even though I know that

You and I are one (that is I am not this material body but that the

Jivatma is made up of the same substance that God is made up of or

spirit) let me not forget that I belong to You and that You do not

belong to me, just as the waves belong to the ocean and the ocean

does not belong to the waves." Anyone who understands this statement

of Adi Shankaracharya and acts in that way towards Sriman Narayana

has also done Prapatti. Prapatti does not have to be done by an

Acharya but can also be done by the individual him/her self.

 

Jaganath.