Article sent from The Hindu on indiaserver.com

[Guest guest]

=============================================================

This article is emailed to you by Ram Chandran ( rchandran )

=============================================================

Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Six inimitable traits of the Lord

 

CHENNAI, NOV. 2. The history of Hindu religion's vast amount of

literature shows that its two main streams - Saivism and

Vaishnavism - co-existed without mutual animosity, though there

might have been differences of opinion regarding minor procedures

and some aspects of their philosophy. The first group believed in

the supremacy of Lord Siva while the latter swore by Vishnu. They

respected each other.

 

In some parts of Tamil Nadu, Saivism was deep rooted while in

certain areas of Karnataka, ``Veera Saivism'' (Lingayat)

dominated and its followers drew inspiration from Basava Puranam.

The Nayanmars and the Azhwars had spread the message of their

respective Gods through hymns. There was again the Hari-Hara cult

in some areas. The Tamil version of the Ramayana by Kamban was

held in high esteem. The religious fervour in Andhra Pradesh

spread widely in the later period through giants like Thikkanna,

Nannayya, Pothana, Srinatha and Annamacharya, the bard, whose

contributions are without parallel. They were enlightened souls.

 

Pothana was a worshipper of Siva but once when he was meditating

on his Lord, surprisingly Rama stood before him in his vision,

and later he was given the privilege to write about Krishna's

life (in Bhagavatham). The most important feature about the

distinction the Lord possesses as against others spell out how He

has got six inimitable traits like power, wealth, strength, fame,

knowledge and dispassion. These eminent divine personalities

received the grace of their spiritual guides and turned illumined

souls by receiving their grace. While Saivism was popular, in the

period of Krishnadevaraya, Vaishnavism was predominant and one of

his best literary pieces was a poem on the lives of Andal (Goda)

and her foster-father, Periazhwar. This is to reveal the amity

which continued to exist among the religions and absence of any

conflict between the two sects.

 

In a lecture, Sri D. Chinnakrishniah referred to the works of

Srinatha who was a Saivite and was deeply devoted to Siva, how He

could be pleased by the offering of just a flower or a leaf or a

little amount of water as He is not concerned about any

extravagance in worship. Srinatha, an embodiment of wisdom,

derived inspiration by virtue of a potent ``Mantra'' and from the

study of the scintillating work (Naishadam) of Sri Harsha. Even

by the age of 26, he came out with works adoring Lord Siva. Such

messengers remained faithful to their Lord without criticising

others revealing their generous outlook.

 

Copyrights: 2000 The Hindu & Tribeca Internet Initiatives Inc.

 

Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly

prohibited without the consent of The Hindu & Tribeca Internet Initiatives Inc.