Who is Hri

[Guest guest]

Sri:

 

Dear Bhaktas,

 

Sriman Sadagopan Swamin encouraged me to share the following observations

pertinent to Hri. In his note, Sriman Sadagopan

Swamin noted the connection between Hri and Kshama. This Kshama

is an all important aspect of the Bhumi Piratti, which manifests

itself in her request to the Lord to forgive the sins committed

by those seek SharaNagati at His lotus feet. The act of granting

SharaNagati is a Yajna performed by the Lord. The role of Bhumi

Piratti in this Yajna, is extolled in the Bhu Sooktam Rk "Shrunge Shrunge

Yajne Yajne VibhishaNee".

 

In the January 1999 telephone Upanyasam, H.H. Srimad Andavan Swami of Srimad

Poundarikapuram Ashramam provided a superb explanation of the role of Bhumi

Piratti in granting refuge to a supplicant. H.H. pointed out the analogy of

SharaNagati to a court trial-except that in this

case, the court is that of Lord Narayana, who is the Supreme Judge.

In his imitable style, H.H. Srimad Andavan Swami pointed out that when the

Lord turns to one side He sees NeeLa Piratti trying to cover up the sins

committed by the supplicant. Angered by this, the Lord turns

the other side (hoping to get the support of Bhumi Piratti) only to see

Bhumi Piratti requesting forgiveness of the supplicants' sins.

The Lord then beholds Sri Devi, who argues that "Although the

supplicant has sinned, please overlook his sins and bestow him

with grace." In this context, H.H. pointed out the elevated role

of Daya (motivated by Kshama) in granting refuge to a Prapanna.

H.H. noted that the KalyaNa GuNam of Daya is a female lawyer in the court of

Lord Narayana. Lord Narayana is an impartial adjudicator

in this court and dispenses justice in strict accordance with the

Sastraic injunctions (Pakshapaataana Bhigyam). Various KalyaNa GuNams of the

Lord, attest to the Sastraic violations on the part of the supplicant and

recommend that the supplicant be punished for his transgressions. H.H.

beautifully remarked that the GuNam of Daya, synonymous with JnAna, prevails

over all other KalyaNa GuNams, in

arguing that the supplicant must not be punished and instead must

be graced. H.H. cited PramANams from the RamayaNa in support of

Daya Devi's defense. The following arguments are advanced by

Daya Devi:

 

"It is known that the supplicant has sinned, and that the Sastras

say that he deserves to be punished. However, here is why he should

not. Let us take the case of the Ramayana. Sita Piratti, Ilaya Perumal

, Hanuman are all KuTravadis (sinners). Why? Did not Sita Piratti

hurl abuses at Ilaya Perumal? Did not Ilaya Perumal go to help

Lord Rama against the command of the Lord Himself? Did not Hanuman

suggest that he would carry Sita (a Parama Pativrata) on his back? Nay

the Lord himself can be blamed for placing Sita Piratti in a vulnerable

position so that Ravana could kidnap her.Are all of these not in violation

of the Sastras? Going by the logic

of the other KalyaNa GuNams aren't these acts worthy of punishment?

However, are such actions punished? No."

 

Somewhat mollified, the other KalyaNa GuNams recommend that the

supplicant perform Prayaschittam. However, Daya Devi debunks this

argument as well by stating that "In order to perform Prayaschittam

for his violations, the supplicant has to take an infinte number of

rebirths and each time he may engage in further Sastraic violations

which will only increase his burden. Thererfore, even Prayaschittam

is an exercise in futility. Hence, the supplicant should

not be punished but instead granted refuge forthwith." The Lord is

pleased to hear the arguments of Daya Devi. The other KalyaNa GuNams

have no alternative course to offer and concur with Daya Devi's

position. The Lord then bestows his grace on the supplicant.

 

Everything correctly stated in entirely due to the grace of my

Acharyan, H.H. Srimad Poundarikapuram Andavan Swami. All errors and

shortcomings are mine alone.

 

Kamapya Navadhim VandE KaruNa VaruNaalayam

Vrishashaila Tatasthanaam Swayam Vyaktim Upagatam

 

Namo Narayana,

 

Muralidhar Rangaswamy

 

 

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