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Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/04/11/stories/2002041100510800.htm)

Miscellaneous

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Religion

 

 

Merit of chanting the Divine name

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

APRIL 11.

 

The glory of the Divine name is an abiding theme in the hymns of saints and

mystics because of its potency and the ease with which the names can be handled

by one and all. Worship of God in temples or homes requires certain procedures.

Devotion also requires sustained effort on the part of the devotee. On the other

hand, the names of the Almighty chanted either by Japa (repetition) or sung in

the form of hymns, which embody His names, can be undertaken by anyone at

anytime. The spiritual merit of this practice has been proven in the lives of

devotees and mystics who have envisioned God. In fact, Tondaradippodi Azhwar in

his hymn Tirumalai goes to the extent of telling Lord Ranganatha that His

devotees are able to win over the agents of the god of Death, Yama, by repeating

His names.

 

Tirumangai Azhwar also voices a similar sentiment. In his Periya Tirumozhi he

cites several instances of His grace, which gave him the courage to approach the

Lord of Srirangam. The commentary on this hymn throws insight into the parallels

between the Ramayana and this Azhwar's expressions. The Azhwar points out that

Rama did not treat Guha as a menial boatman but instead addressed him as His

brother and friend when Sita was by His side. These endearing words haunted the

Azhwar and instilled hope in his heart about the Lord's boundless compassion. He

also draws attention to the role of a mediator assumed by the Divine Mother when

a devotee surrenders to the Lord. The Divine Mother is the very embodiment of

compassion and when the Almighty is approached through Her, He overlooks the

lapses of the devotee.

 

In his discourse, Therazhundur Sri Ramabadrachariar said Tirumangai Azhwar waxed

eloquent remembering the singular grace showered on Hanuman. The Ramayana says

that when Hanuman returned with the good news of Sita's whereabouts in Lanka,

Rama hugged him with gratitude, a rare blessing in this incarnation of God. This

Azhwar says, " `Son of wind, just a monkey and animal', not addressing the

different Hanuman thus, You gave Your love that was more than the ocean saying

that nothing could repay him for his service... May I also stand by and enjoy

You." Hanuman could successfully accomplish the task of locating Sita only by

the strength of Rama's name. Likewise, during His Krishna incarnation, His name

Govinda came to the rescue of Draupadi when she called out to Him in distress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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