Review of book on Garuda in "Hindu"

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The following review was published in

"The Hindu" dated April 1,1997.

 

 

Sriram

-----------------------------

 

01-04-1997 :: Pg: 27 :: Col: d

 

TAMIL

 

Sri Garudan: N. S. Thathachariar: V. C.

Sriram, 3, South Mada Street, Mylapore,

Chennai-600004. Rs. 24.

 

Garuda, the popular vehicle of Lord Vishnu, is extolled by the Vedas as

Garutman with beautiful wings and is referred to with great esteem in several

Vedic passages. Besides, there occurs a special Brahma Vidya, named after Garuda

in Atharva Veda. Occupying an exalted position in the divine hierarchy, as a

prominent Nityasuri (eternally liberated soul), Garuda is deeply venerated and

worshipped not only in India but also in foreign countries like Thailand and

Indonesia. Mantras and Stotras are chanted by the devout in propitiation of

Garuda to ward off evils like illnesses and snake-bites. The great Vaishnava

acharya Alavandar, hails Garuda as the inner soul of the Vedas (Vedatma) and

calls him the Lord's servant, friend, vehicle, seat, flag and fan.

 

The two most famous stotras in praise of Garuda have been composed by Vedanta

Desika. Of these, Garuda Panchasat, in the majestic Sragdhara metre of Sanskrit

poetry talks of the effulgence and splendour of Garuda in graphic detail.

The Stotra starts with a vivid portrayal of Garuda and his various

manifestations, followed by a narration of the episode of his bringing nectar to

release his mother from slavery. The third part of the stotra culminates in

Garuda's victory over the serpents. The fourth part gives a scintillating

description of the various serpents with their jewels adorning the body of

Garuda, while the fifth and last part of the Stotra enlogises the services

rendered by Garuda to his Master Lord Narayana. The smaller stotra, Garuda

Dandaka, also sings the glory of Garuda.

 

The author of the book under review, late N. S. Thathachariar, known for his

scholastic attainments, has provided an elaborate, absorbing commentary on these

two Stotras, drawing interesting and pertinent references from the Ramayana,

the Mahabharata and other Puranas. His interpretation and analysis particularly

of slokas four, eight, nine and 37 of Garuda Panchasat are novel, original and

praise-worthy.

 

Some other Stotras in praise of Garuda have also been given including the

kirtanas on Garuda by Saint Tyagaraja. The author also gives useful details

about Garuda and the auspicious omens and signs associated with it. The book

is a useful guide on Garuda.

 

V. N. Gopala Desikan