Article in the Hindu

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Namo Narayana,

 

Muralidhar Rangaswamy

 

 

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[THE HINDU]

 

Tuesday, December 23, 1997

SECTION: Miscellaneous

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Almighty assumes different forms

 

23-12-1997 :: Pg: 24 :: Col: c

 

CHENNAI, Dec. 23.

 

The Supreme Being takes innumerable forms because the

transcendental form is beyond the ken of human reach.

According to Srivaishnava religion the Almighty who is

Sriman Narayana in His eternal abode, Srivaikunta, when

He deigns to create this universe assumes the reclining

form on the milk-ocean (Kshirabdhisayi, Anantasayana).

This is the form from which the Vyuha forms of the Lord

responsible for creation emanate.

 

In the Tiruppavai, Andal points out this fact in the

opening verses where she identifies Narayana as the

Almighty and subsequently refers to His form on the

serpent couch to point out that from the standpoint of

the devotees this form is more important. Further it is

made clear that it is out of compassion for the sages

and His devotees that the Lord assumes this form.

 

In his discourse on the Tiruppavai the Jeeyar Swami of

Parakala Math said, the role of Sri as the mediator

(Purushakara) became prominent in His Kshirabhdhisayi

form. While describing the details of the Pavai nonbu

which Andal undertakes with the object of performing

service to Lord Krishna, she stresses that Sri had to be

propitiated first thereby underlining the fact that the

Divine Mother is the very embodiment of Lord's

compassion and grace and that it is possible to approach

Him only through Her intercession.

 

A legitimate doubt which can arise in this context is

(why Andal should describe the transcendental and Vyuha

forms) when she had undertaken the performance with Lord

Krishna as the end to be attained instead of addressing

Him directly. The commentators have pointed out that it

is to clarify that the Supreme Being had incarnated as

Krishna in Gokul that Andal addresses these forms first.

 

In the second verse of this hymn Andal points out that

those who are born in this world are most fortunate in

that they have been given an opportunity to express

their devotion to the Lord. There are two aspects to

spiritual practices. There are certain observances which

have to be followed and some which have to be abstained

from. By this process the spiritual aspirant does not

lose sight of the goal to be attained.

 

That the Nonbu described in the Tiruppavai is for the

sake of spiritual progress and not for any material gain

is another point made right at the outset. All the

rituals described and the actions of the devotee must be

dedicated to the Lord and must be undertaken only for

His pleasure as service to Him. That the Lord can be

approached only through the mediation of the preceptor

is stressed right at the outset.

 

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