Sriman Sadagopan Swamin's Tribute to H.H. Srimad Azhagiyasingar

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Sri:

 

SrimatE Gopaladesika MahadesikAya Namaha,

 

Adiyen thoroughly enjoyed the tribute of Sriman Sadagopan Swamin to

H.H. the 45th Jeeyar of Ahobila Matham on the occasion of the 75th

Tirunakshatram. With the permission of Sriman Sadagopan Swamin,

adiyen is submitting a follow up contained below.

 

The number 75 is also interesting in that 7+(5x5)=32. This represents

the number of Brahma Vidyas, the number of apacharams to be avoided

as well as the sum total of the aksharams from two of the most

important mantrams of Vedic origin, i.e., the Gayathri Mantram and

the AshtAkshara Mantram. Sriman Sadagopan Swamin eloquently covered

these aspects (Gayathri Mantram and the AshtAkshara Mantram) in his

tribute to H.H. Adiyen wishes to focus on a couple of important

messages embedded in the number 32.

 

First, 32 is the number of aksharams contained in the Charma Shlokam

of GitAcharyan from the Bhagavad Gita. This sacred Srivaishnava

rahasyam is famous for its unambiguous and forthright advocation of

the principle of SharaNagati-the doctrine of unconditional, total

surrender to the Lotus Feet of Lord Narayana. The Upanishads contain

prescriptions in the form of 32 Brahma Vidyas, which reveal paths for

attaining Lord Narayana. However, the requirements contained therein

are quite onerous and difficult to practise. Therefore, GitAcharyan

out of his compassion has used 32 aksharams pregnant with meaning to

provide a simple means for attaining Him and serving Him eternally.

Performing SharaNagati at the Lord's Lotus feet can be accomplished

in several ways. However, the most popular and practically feasible

route is through one's Acharya. In this respect, H.H. Srimad

Azhagiyasingar exemplifies the Charma Shlokam in that He has redeemed

and continues to redeem countless Baddha Jivans from a seemingly

endless cycle of births and deaths. It is important to note the

usage "Ma shucha" (do not fear) in the Charma Shlokam, which ensures

a Prapanna of freedom from the fears of AdhyAtmika, Adhibhowdika and

Adhi Daivika afflictions and results in eternal Kaimkaryam for the

pleasure and at the behest of the Divine Couple. H.H. Srimad

Azhagiyasingar is a pre-eminent practitioner of administering the

rite of Bharanyasam and assuring Baddha jivans of "Ma shucha".

 

Next 32 is the number of Aksharams contained in the sacred Nrusimha

Anushtup Mantram. This mantram again represents the condensed essence

of the 32 Brahma Vidyas. There are nine Padams employed in this most

sacred mantram for Bhagavan Nrusimha. Each Padam dwells on a unique

aspect of Lord Narasimha. Very briefly, Bhagavan Nrusimha is

described in this Mantram as

(1) One who has vowed to totally destroy those who are opposed to His

Bhaktas

(2) One who is endowed with unmatched valour

(3) One that enters everything sentient and insentient, i.e., that by

knowing which everything becomes known and that by not knowing which

nothing becomes known (reflecting the message of teh Chandogya

Upanishad salutation "tat tvam asi")

(4) One who is the fire at the end of time, i.e., the Kala anala

(5) One who has faces in all directions, i.e., several paths (Brahma

Vidyas) lead to Him

(6) One who has the combined features of Man and Lion

(7) One who is awe-inspiring, fearsome, majestic

(8) One who affords protection

(9) One who represents Death for death itself

Proper prayogam of this Mantram obtained through upadesham from a

qualified Acharya confers the benefit of practising the 32 Brahma

Vidyas. Therefore, it is the favored Mantram of mumukshus.

Elaborations on the significance of this Mantram can be found in the

upanyasams of Parama Pada Vasi U.Ve. Sri Mukkur

Lakshminarasimhachariar Swamin's upanyasams and books (Kurai Onrum

Illai Govinda and Matapalli Mahatmyam). H.H. Srimad Azhagiyasingar is

an authority in the nuances of this Mantram.

 

Adiyen will take part in the Kaimkaryam for Srimad Azhagiyasingar by

sending a modest contribution to Sriman Dileepan Swamin.

 

Namo Narayana,

 

SriMuralidhara Dasan