Namasthe- Thrivikrama

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

 

Continuation of 24 names:

 

" When you are away from home or think of Thrivikrama " is today's theme.

" Krama " means stride or steps. " Visishtam kramanam asya ithi " means when the krama is extraordinary or vishishtam it is called Vikrama. Thrivikarma has several meanings. A few of them are given below:

1.He who measured the three worlds with three extraordinary strides or kramas.

2. He who pervades all the three worlds completely.

3. He who pervades the three vedas.(rig,yaju and saama)

4. He who has transcended the waking, sleep and deep-sleep states (jaagrath-swapna-sushupthi)

In relation to " pravaasam " or away from home, it will be appropriate to take the first definition and see how we can relate to our theme.

In the course of accepting the three steps from Mahabali, Vamana assumed the form of Thrivikrama and covered the entire earth with his first step, used his second step to cover the rest of the universe to include sky and heaven and there was no place left for the third step. This means He became the Viswamayarupa (not the Virat roopam which is Viswaroopam) filling the whole world. Then Mahabali, with out a moment's hesitation, showed his head for His third step. Lord Vamana or Thirivikrama was moved by Mahabali's attitude of complete surrender. No wonder! Mahabali was the grandson of Bhaktha Prahlada and to protect whom Lord appeared as Narasimham before.

It can be said that Vaamana is the symbol of the divinity with in everyone. Then that divine omipresent, omnipotent, omniscient God manifested himself as Thrivikrama and revealed to the world that He is the Supreme Lord of the Universe. His divinity is present everywhere and it is very appropriate to pray Vishnu in this form (especially for people who are away from their familiar surroundings, or away from home sweet home) becasue He showed the Viswamaya roopam to prove His presence enverywhere. In Bhattathiri's words, He is " kaldaeshavadhibhyam nirmuktham " - beyond Kaalam and Daesham and it is very consoling for every " pravaasi " ( Non Resident Indian, or videshi or not a swadeshi or out of state resident) to remember this story and reinforce his/her faith that Bhagavan is with us or with in us wherever we are.

At this context it is good to think about this story a little bit more. Lord Vamana's steps (Vikramah) reached after He transformed to Thrivikrama roopam to Brahmalokam and Brahma washed His feet with the water from His kamandalu and that fell down as Ganga. Lord Siva let the divine Ganga fall through his matted locks of hair to the earth. According to Swami Deshikan, Devaganga is like a flag of victory (jaya dwajam) waving in all directions. Desika says Vamana actually did this not only to humble Mahabali but also to celebrate his great attitude of atmanivedanam (complete surrender). The beautiful Ganga Nadi flowing through the snow filled Himavaan with it's reflected rainbow colors from the sun is like a white flag bordered with rainbow proudly showing the glory of both Lord and the great devotee Mahabali.

Guruvayuraapa! in the form of Lord Thrivikrama! Please help us to completely surrender to You, who is the Lord of Swadeshis and Pravaasis alike! This story reinforces our faith that we are near and dear to you even though with out realizing your omnipresence, often we are far in despair.

 

Regards and prayers

Savitri

P.S. Even though I was a pravasi for the last 26 years, until I did research about this I never thought so deeply about this name Thrivikrama of Vishnu and just chanted this name as part of Vishun sahasra naamam. All the encouragement from Sajjanaas is inspiring to do more and and I am convinced that when we take one step towards Him, He takes 10 steps towards you. Please feel free to correct any mistakes you see or write any comments you strongly feel about or share anything interesting. It will help all.