Fw: [MYP] Aksharamalika Stotra - Explaination in English with stOtra in Multiple Languages [1 Attachment]

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|| Sri GururajO vijayathE ||

 

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|| Sriman Moola RamO vijayathE ||

||Sri mukhya prANO vijayathE ||

||Sri gururAjO vijayathE ||

 

AksharamAla stuti (gAthA stuti)

Sri Krishna avadhootaru

Introduction to the Author:

 

The author of this stotra is Sri Krishna avadhootaru (1836-1909), a staunch devotee of Sri Raghavendra Swamigalu (Rayaru). He is believed to be an amshAvatAra of Nachiketa (the boy who went to YamalOka and obtained three boons from Yama, as extolled in the kaTha Upanishad).

 

Sri Krishna avadhootaru was born in the village of Narayanadevanakere in Hospet district of Karnataka. This village is now submerged in the backwaters of the Tungbhadra dam. He was born in a very orthodox Madhva family. His parents named him Muddu KrishnAchArya. He was given up for adoption because his parents were very poor. He learnt the shastras very thoroughly at a very early age and also demonstrated extraordinary poetic ability. Once, in a contest in the court of the King of Trivandrum, he composed 100 short sanskrit poems within 24 minutes and earned the title of ‘ghatikashata’. However, like AjAmila he strayed from the

straight and narrow path of sAdhane and wasted 32 years of his life in the pursuit of bad habits. Even when Sri AppanachArya, the author of Sri Raghavendra stotra, appeared in his dream and cautioned him about the life he was leading, he did not mend his ways. Sri AppanachArya appeared again in his dream, introduced himself as Appanacharya and gave him updesha of Sri Krishna and VedavyAsa mantras. From that day onwards, Sri KrishnAchArya abandoned his wayward ways and started upAsane of Sri Raghavendra swAmigalu. Later, another sanyAsi appeared in his dream and gave him upadEsha of certain secret concepts. After this, he became a sarva-sanga-parityAgi and abandoned attachment to his two wives, children, wealth, and status. He started leading the life of an avadhoota (one stage lower to sanyAsa) and became known as Sri Krishna avadhootaru. He mentions all of this in Raghavendra tantra and says he did not become a sanyAsi since Rayaru did not want him to.

 

 

He is supposed to have authored over 50 scholarly works but it is our misfortune that only a few are available to us. According to Prof K.T. Pandurangi, manuscripts of the following works are available with him:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grammar

 

Sulabha sAdhya vyAkaranam

 

 

Literature

 

Ihamrugi, Panduranga vilasa Champu, KrishnAvhadhoota Natanatantaram

 

 

Alankara

 

kAvya lakshaNa sangraha, , Commentary on SarasvatalankArasootra, MandAra makaranda champu

 

 

nYaya (logic)

 

TarkanavanItam, padArthasAgara, Tarkasangraha vAkyArthavivruti

 

 

Dvaita

 

Madhvamata sarvasvam, Madhvamata sootrANi adhyAtma navanItam , sootrArtha lahari

 

 

Advaita

 

Advaita navanItam

 

 

V. Advaita

 

Vishishta advaita navanItam

 

 

Devotional

 

Raghavendra tantra, vyAsa stavarAja

 

His spiritual nature can be gleaned from the fact that in MandAra makaranda champu, a work on Sanskrit Chhandas, he uses verses from bhAgavata to illustrate his points! Before writing Advaita navanItam and Vishishta advaita navanItam he spent a lot of time learning concepts from these schools so that he could render them faithfully and correctly in his work. In sootrArtha lahari he shows this mastery over the three schools by listing the interpretations of all the three schools for ready reference. One may thus conclude that his love for Madhva siddhanta was based on an authentic understanding of its inherent superiority over all other schools and not out of sheer blind faith.

 

 

Raghavendra tantra:

 

The origins of this work are very intriguing. Rayaru appeared in his dream and blessed him with mantrakshate. He handed him a copper plate inscribed with Sanskrit alphabets and a mandala, and gave him detailed upadesha about how he should be worshipped. This led to the creation of Raghavendra tantra, a very scholarly work soaked in pristine devotion to Rayaru and containing details about how pooja should be done to Rayaru (which is why the work is called Tantra). This work consists of 15 patalas (sections or chapters). In the first paTala he talks about the incidents mentioned above (his wayward life, Appanacharya appearing in his dreams twice etc). Parts of this work have become independently popular. The ninth patala consisting of 10 short poems is popularly known as ‘guru

dasha stotra’. In this Sri KrishnAvadhootaru says that when he submitted this work to Rayaru, he blessed him and accepted him as his son! The eleventh patala is also known as aksharamAla or gAtha stuti, the focus of this document.

 

Structure of the stotra:

 

The Sanskrit alphabet consists of 51 characters or aksharas from ‘a’ to ‘ksha’; which is why the alphabet is called akshara (the sequence from ‘a’ to ‘ksha’). This stuti has 52 verses. The first letter of the first line of each verse comes from the Sanskrit alphabet. The last verse is the Phala-stuti or colophon. In a figurative way you may say that the author has woven a literary garland consisting 52 flowers or verses and is offering this garland to Rayaru with utmost devotion. That is why this stotra is popularly called akshara-mala stuti (a stuti created by assembling alphabets).

 

The Chhandas (literary metre) used in the stuti:

 

Given his extraordinary mastery over Chhandas it is no surprise that Sri KrishnAvadhootaru has crafted this work with a lot of hidden symbolims. Let us take a look at some of them. Each verse consists of 2 lines with 22 characters in each. Such a Chhandas is called Akruti. Since Akruti popularly means figure or personality, you may consider that Sri KrishnAvadhootaru has given us an icon or Akruti of Rayaru to worship! There is another twist to this. There is a popular saying “ApAda mouli paryantam gurUNAm akrutim smarEt tena viGhnAh praNashyanti siddhanti cha manOrathAH†(the form of the guruh from feet to head should be meditated upon; this removes all obstacles and grants all desires). By attaching different interpretations to the words ‘pAda’ and ‘Akruti’ we can infer that Sri KrishnAvadhootaru is hinting

that doing upAsane to Rayaru through this stuti, which is based on Akruti Chhandas and covers the alphabet from top to bottom (akara to kshakara), removes all obstacles and grants all desires!

 

22 is also a very symbolic number to Madhvas. We know that there were 21 misleading commentaries on the Brahmasootras before the advent of Acharya Madhva. His commentary is the 22nd commentary on the Brahmasootras and constitutes the last and final word on them (even though there were some more misleading commentaries written later). The 22 characters in each line is broken down into 7 taganas and one guru. Each tagana is a set of 3 characters arranged as Guru-Guru-Laghu. A Guru is a long character (like ‘raa’ in raama, ‘gii’ in gita etc) that takes 2 mAtras or units of time to pronounce. A Laghu is a shorter character (like ‘ra’ in ‘rati’, ‘gi’ in ‘giri’) and takes only one unit of time. Thus, each line consists of 22 characters, comprising of

15 gurus and 7 laghus. Since each guru takes 2 units of time and a laghu takes one unit, the total time per line is (15 X 2) + (7 X 1) = 30 + 7 = 37. This is also a very sacred number to Madhvas, since this is the number of sarvamoola granthas composed by Acharya Madhva! Thus, it may be said that Sri KrishnAvadhootaru has imbued this work with a lot of symbolisms sacred to Madhvas!

 

Ending of each verse:

 

All the 52 verses have the same 2nd line – ‘shrI rAghavendrArya shrI rAghavendrArya shrI rAghavendrArya pAhi prabhu’. The word ‘pAhi’ is a very potent word and can mean all of the following: protect / nourish / cherish / foster / guard / sustain.

 

On the face of it, the line appears to be a simple plea to Rayaru to protect or nurture, with the 2 words ‘shrI rAghavendrArya’ repeated for musical alliteration. However, a savant like Sri KrishnAvadhootaru can produce lilting lyrics without resorting to such gimmicks. We see this in the ‘guru dasha stotra’ where each verse is beautifully crafted to produce a cadence that is musically and aesthetically very pleasing. So there has to be some hidden purpose or meaning for this repetition.

 

The first objection that must be answered is: isn’t using the same word (Raghavendra) thrice ‘punarukti dosha’ (repetition)? Not necessarily. This is because each usage connotes a different meaning and interpretation, thus avoiding repetition. To realize this, we need to understand the significance of the word ‘Raghavendra, which carries a wealth of meaning and could be easily applied to 3 different individuals. To begin with, it denotes Lord Rama since he is the indra of the Raghu kula. It also indicates Hanumanta since Raghav is his indra or Lord (‘raghAva yasya indrah sah rAghavendra’, Raghavendra is the one whose indra or lord is Raghava). Raghavendra also means ‘one who destroys sins and bestows desired things’ – which could easily mean any incarnation of the Lord or Vayu

devaru.

 

Sri KrishnAvadhootaru is using the word 3 times because he wants three types of protection or nurturing

- in the three states that all jIvas go through: wakefulness, dreaming or restful sleep

- against the three types of miseries (tApatraya) torment all jIvas. They are known as AdhyAtmika (caused by the mind), Adhibhoutika (by animals) and Adhidaivika (by fate)

- in the 3 major worlds that our scriptures talk of – bhUh, bhuvah, svah

- in the 3 divisions of time – past, present and future

- by giving us the three main precious gifts that a true devotee asks for – Bhakti, gyAna and VairAgya

 

The next few pages provide a text rendering of the stuti in English, followed by a simple translation of each of the verses.

 

May the great Guru Raghavendra, enshrined in the heart of Sri KrishnAvadhootaru, bless us with pristine Bhakti, gyAna, vairAgya

 

!!madhvAntargata Shreesham Vande!!

Shri Gurubhyo Namaha

Sri Raghavendra Swamy AksharamAla Stuti

(A simple translation by Sri Vyasarajamurthy, edited with notes and comments by Hunsur Sriprasad)

 

| shrI hari vAyu gurubhyO namaH ||

aj~jAnanAshAya vij~jAnapUrNAya suj~jAnadAtrE namastE gurO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 1 ||

I offer my salutations with utmost respect to the Guru who dispels ignorance, is full of divine knowledge and who bestows good knowledge (to devotees). Sri Raghavendra Swamy please protect, nourish, foster, guard and sustain us!

Or, Lord Ramachandra residing in the heart of Hanumanta, enshrined in the heart of Sri Raghavendra Swamy protect, nourish, foster, guard and sustain us.

[Note: From the next verse onwards the elaborate meaning of the second line will not be repeated. Readers need to substitute this in place of the simple translation “Lord Sri Raghavendra Swamy please protect usâ€]

AnaMdarUpAya naMdAtmaja shrI padAMbhOjabhAjE namastE gurO |

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 2 ||

I offer my salutations with utmost respect to Guru Raghavendra Swamy, who is the personification of bliss and is ever engrossed in the worship of the Lotus feet of Nanda’s son (Sri Krishna). Lord Sri Raghavendra Swamy protect us.

iShTapradAnEna kaShTaprahANEna shiShTastuta shrI padAMbhOja bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 3 ||

Your resplendent feet are always extolled by the virtuous because they fulfill all desires and destroy all troubles and miseries. Lord Sri Raghavendra Swamy please protect us.

IDE bhavatpAdapAthOjamAdhyAya bhUyO pi bhUyO bhayAt pAhi bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 4 ||

I will deeply meditate upon your lotus feet and repeatedly extol them, please protect me from various fears (that abound in this samsAra).

ugraM pishAchAdikaM drAvayitvAshu saukhyaM janAnAM karOShIsha bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 5 ||

You quickly drive away cruel and ferocious demons, ghosts and malefic planets, and bring happiness to devotees.

UrjatkRupApUra pAthOnidhE maMkShu tuShTOnugRuhNAsi bhaktAn vibhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 6 ||

You are an ocean of exquisite, unparalleled mercy. When pleased, you immediately shower your grace on devotees.

RujUttama prANa pAdArchana prApta mAhAtmyasaMpUrNasiddhEsha bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 7 ||

You acquired your greatness by incessantly worshipping the Lotus feed of Vayu devaru, the most prominent amongst the Rujus. You have attained complete mastery over the 8 siddhis (special type of yogic powers).

[Note: Rujus are a group of exalted devatas who are steadfast in their devotion Lord Hari. They are free from all blemishes and occupy the highest position amongst jIvas or unliberated souls. They are next only to Naryana and Lakshmi in the hierarchy of gods].

RujusvabhAvAptabhaktEShThakalpadru rUpEshabhUpAdivaMdya prabhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 8 ||

You are attainable by those who are straightforward and devoid of deceit. You are like the kalpa vruksha (Divine tree that grants all desires) who showers boons on the devout. You are revered even by kings who rule over vast portions of Earth.

 

 

RUddhaMyashastE vibhAti prakRuShTaM prapannArtihaMtarmahOdAra bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 9 ||

Your already lofty fame (acquired through previous incarnations as Prahlada, vyAsa tIrtha etc) is now reaching an exalted status. You are extremely generous and liberal (in showering your grace). You destroy the sorrows of the ones who surrender unto you.

 

klRuptAtibhaktaugha kAmyArthadAta rbhavAMbhOdhipAraMgata prAj~jabhO |

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 10 ||

You grant all the desires of groups of great devotees. You have already crossed the ocean of samsara (through the grace of Lord Hari). You have divine knowledge (about Hari and Vayu).

 

EkAMtabhaktAya mAkAMtapAdAbja uchchAya lOkE namastE vibhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 11 ||

You are an ekAnta bhakta ever engrossed in the Lotus feet of the consort of Lakshmi (Lord Narayana). Salutations to you. [Note: an ekAnta bhakta is one who has great devotion towards the Lord and worships Him without expecting anything in return]

aishvaryabhUman mahAbhAgyadAyin parEShAM cha kRutyAdi nAshin prabhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 12 ||

You brim with divine, spiritual wealth. You bestow all the great blessings of life (health, wealth, family, happiness etc). You destroy the malefic effects of black magic done by others

 

OMkAra vAchyArthabhAvEna bhAvEna labdhOdayashrIsha yOgIsha bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 13 ||

By understanding the true and most important meaning of the Omkara and by worshipping the deity extolled by it (Narayana) you have obtained vast, unsurpassed spiritual wealth. O Lord of all yogis!

aurvAnalaprakhya durvAdi dAvAnalaiH sarvataMtra svataMtrEsha bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 14 ||

You are beyond the grasp of durvAdis (proponents who argue on behalf of wrong doctrines), meaning that they can never hope to come anywhere near you. You are the forest fire that destroys other durvAdis. You are capable of independently executing all the Vaishnava tantras (religious rituals) without depending on anybody else.

 

aMbhOja saMbhUta mukhyAmarArAdhya bhUnAthabhaktEsha bhAvaj~ja bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 15 ||

The Lord of Bhudevi (Narayana) is worshipped by devatas lead by the lotus born Chaturmukha Brahma.

You are foremost amongst His devotees. You comprehend the will of Lord Hari and Sri Vayu.

 

astaMgatAnEka mAyAdivAdIsha vidyOtitAshEShavEdAMta bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 16 ||

You unequivocally defeated rivals who argued on behalf of wrong doctrines like Mayavada (Advaita) and made them bow their heads in defeat . You spread the knowledge of the whole compendium of Vedanta through your writings.

 

kAmyArthadAnAya baddhAdarAshESha lOkAya sEvAnusaktAya bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 17 ||

You are eager to bestow boons on all devotees who are intent on serving you with devotion.

 

khadyOtasArEShu pratyarthisArthEShu madhyAhnamArtAMDabiMbAbha bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 18 ||

Multitudes of rival doctrinaires you oppose you are like fireflies when compared to the blazing afternoon sun of knowledge that you are!

 

 

garviShTha garvAMbushOShAryamAtyugra namrAMbudhEryAminInAtha bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 19 ||

You are the fierce sun that evaporates the water of pride that vainglorious people possess. However, to the ocean of submissive, humble devotees you are like the Moon. (The moon evokes high tides in the ocean).

 

ghOrAmayadhvAMta vidhvaMsanOddhAma dEdIpyamAnArkabiMbAbha bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 20 ||

You are like the image of the effulgent, blazing sun in destroying the darkness of dangerous illness.

 

~gaNatkAra daMDAMka kAShAya vastrAM ka kaupIna pInAMka haMsAMka bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 21 ||

You possess a strident, vociferous danda (staff carried by sanyasis). You are adorned with saffron cloth, thin koupina (loin cloth worn by sanyasis), and other symbols of sanyAsa.

[Note: By saying that the danda is vociferous the author is poetically implying that Sri Raghavendra Swamy vigorously practiced the tenets of dvaita and defended it against all those who sought to attack it]

chaMDIsha kAMDEsha pAkhaMDavAkkAMDa tAmisramArtAMDa pAShaMDa bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 22 ||

You are like the bright sun who destroys the forces of darkness represented by those who say that Lord Shiva is the Supreme deity, , those who divide the Vedas into various kandas or branches (karma-kAnda, gyAda kAnda etc) and aethiests who propagate philosophy with dry logic and jumbled words. You condemn all evil deeds.

[Note: Dvaita supports the worship of Shiva and accords him a very high position in the pantheon of gods. However, it refutes the concept that Lord Shiva is the Paramount deity, because this is against the Vedas and all other scriptures].

ChadmANubhAgaM na vidmastvadaMtaH susadhmaiva padmAdhavasyAsi bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 23 ||

We cannot discern even an iota of deceit in your heart, which is the great abode of the consort of Sri Padma devi (Lord Narayana).

 

jADyaM hinasti jvarArshaH kShayAdyAshu tE pAdapadmAMbulEshO & pi bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 24 ||

Even a droplet of water from your lotus feet can cure grave illnesses like various types of fevers, piles, tuberculosis etc

 

jhaShadhvajIyEShvalabhyOruchEtaH samArUDhamArUDhavakShOMga bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 25 ||

You have firmly installed in your heart the Lord who has Lakshmi on His chest. Your heart is totally inaccessible to the arrows of Manmatha (Cupid).

[Note: This supplements the line in Raghavendra stotra ‘aparOkshikruta shrIshah samupEkshit bhAvajah’. This shows that Sri Raghavendra Swamy has no desires other than pleasing Sri Hari].

~jAMchAvihInAya yAdRucChika prApta tuShTAya sadyaH prapannO & si bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 26 ||

You are readily pleased by devotees who are devoid of frivolous desires and are content with whatever providence gives them. You grant their desires quickly.

 

TIkArahasyArtha vikhyApanagraMtha vistAralOkOpakartaH prabhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 27 ||

You have rendered a great service to humanity by authoring works which explain the inner secrets of the Teekas (done by Sri Jayateertha and others).

 

 

 

 

ThaMkuRvarINAmamEya prabhAvO ddharApAra saMsAratO mAM prabhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 28 ||

Your greatness is immeasureable. Please drive out all enemies and rivals by the sound of your voice. Uplift me from the bondage of samsAra.

 

DAkinyapasmAraghOrAdikOgra grahOchchATanOdagravIrAgrya bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 29 ||

You are foremost amongst the warriors who drive out fearsome enemies.

[Note: The author is mixing two metaphors for poetic effect. Warriors protect the general populace against fearsome enemies. Similarly, saints like Sri Raghavendra Swamy protect people against things that torment them, which could be things like illness, malefic planets, evil forces etc]

DhakkAdikadhvAna vidrAvitAnEka durvAdigOmAyusaMghAta bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 30 ||

Just as foxes and wolves are scared away by the sound of the Dhakka (a drum-like instrument that produces a loud, sonorous noise) your voice scares away Mayavadins (those who negate realism and to the world around them being unreal).

 

NAtmAdimAtrarNalakShyArthaka shrI patidhyAna sannaddhadhIsiddha bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 31 ||

Your intellect and mind have been purified by intense meditation on Lord Narayana, who is extolled by Naatma and all other mAtrukas (alphabets).

[Note: The Sanskrit alphabet consists of 51 characters or mAtrukas. Each character has a form of Lord Narayana associated with it. The 15th consonant is ‘Na’. The form of Narayana associated with this consonant is ‘Natma’]

tApatraya prauDhabAdhAbhibhUtasya bhaktasya tApatrayaM haMsi bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 32 ||

You destroy the three-fold miseries of devotees who are engulfed by the fearsome effects of the three-fold miseries and turmoils. [Note: The three-fold miseries referred to are known as tApatraya and are classified asAdhyAtmika, Adi-daivaka and Adi-bhoutika]

sthAnatraya prApakaj~jAnadAtaH stridhAmAMghribhaktiM prayachcha prabhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 33 ||

You are the bestower of sacred knowledge that is capable of transporting one to the three abodes of Lord Vishnu (ShvEtadvIpa, AnantAsana and Vaikuntha). Please bless us with pristine devotion towards the Lotus feet of the Lord who has three abodes.

 

dAridrya dAridrya yOgEna yOgEna saMpannasaMpattimAdhEhi bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 34 ||

Please use your yogic powers to bestow wealth on me, who is suffering from the devastating effects of dire poverty.

 

dhAvaMti tE nAmadhEyAbhisaMkIrtya nEnainasAmAshu vRuMdAni bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 35 ||

The mere act of chanting with devotion your sacred name immediately drives away multitudes of sins from us

 

nAnAvidhAnEka janmAdi duHkhaugha taH sAdhvasaM saMharOdAra bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 36 ||

We are fearful of the innumerable varieties of miseries associated with samsAra (like being born as animals).

Oh kind hearted Lord Raghavendra Swamy, please protect us from such fears.

 

pAtA tvamEvEti mAtA tvamEvEti mitraM tvamEvEtyahaM vEdmi bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 37 ||

I consider you as my father, mother and a good friend.

 

 

phAlastudurdaivavarNAvalIkArya lOpE & pi bhaktasya shaktO & si bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 38 ||

You are capable of negating the outcome of the words of misfortune written on the foreheads of your devotees.

baddhO & smi saMsArapAshEna tEM & ghrIM vinyA & nyAgatirnEtyavEmi prabhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 39 ||

I am fettered with the bondage of this samsAra and know of no other way of getting out of this bondage other than meditating on your lotus feet.

 

bhAvE bhajAmIha vAchA vadAmi tva dIyaM padaM daMDavat svAmi bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 40 ||

Like a danda (staff or wooden stick) I fully prostrate before your feet and utter stotras to pray to your lotus feet which offer salvation to all devotees in this world

 

mAnyEShu mAnyOsi matyA cha dhRutyA cha mAmadya mAnyaM kuru drAg vibhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 41 ||

Through your sharp and exquisite intellect you have attained mastery over your body and all sensory organs.

Even amongst the venerable you are venerated a lot. Bless me so that I can attain sanctity immediately.

 

yaM kAmamAkAmayE taM na chApaM tatastvaM sharaNyO bhavatyEmi bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 42 ||

Whatever desires I had I was unable to fulfill them. I have therefore sought refuge in you.

 

rAjAdivashyAdi kukShiMbharAnEka chAturyavidyAsu mUDhO & smi bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 43 ||

I am an ignoramus when it comes to the expert art of enticing Kings and others in power in order to fill my stomach.

 

lakShEShu tE bhaktavargEShu kurvEka-lakShyaM kRupApAMgalEshasya mAM

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 44 ||

Amongst the lakhs of devotees you have, please make me the object of a small portion of your beneficial glance.

 

vArAMganAdyUta chauRyAnyadArA-ratatvAdyavadyatvatO mAM prabhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 45 ||

Please protect me from grave sins like the pursuit of prostitutes, thievery, gambling and lusting after other women. [Note: Sri KrishnAvadhootaru admits with humility in Raghavendra Tantra that he wasted 32 years of his life in such pursuits]

shaktOna shaktiM tava stOtumAdhyAtu - mIdRukvahaM kiM karOmIsha bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 46 ||

I am incapable of extolling you or meditating upon you. Such being my state of helplessness, My Lord,

what should I do ? (to obtain your grace)

 

ShaDvairivargaM mamArAnnirAkurva maMdO harErAMghrirAgO & stu bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 47 ||

Please drive away the six enemies from my very vicinity. Let my attachment to the lotus feet of the Lord never diminish.

[Note: The six enemies that he is referring to are known as ari-ShaD-varga. These are

kAma – lust, krOdha – anger, mOha – excessive attachment and/or delusion, lObha – greed, mada – pride &

mAtsarya – jealousy].

 

 

sanmArgasachChAstra satsaMga sadbhaki- saj~jAna saMpattimAdhEhi bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 48 ||

Please bless me with spiritual wealth like leading a pious life, adhering to a good doctrine (madhva siddhAnta),

staying in the company of good people, having pristine devotion, and pursuing eternal knowledge.

 

hAsyAspadOhaM samAnEShvakIrtyA tavAMghriM prapannO & smi saMrakShabhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 49 ||

My disrepute has made me the object of ridicule by my contemporaries. I am surrendering to your Lotus feet.

Please protect me.

 

lakShmIvihInatva hEtOH svakIyaiH sudUrIkRutO & smyadya vAchyO & smi bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 50 ||

I have been banished by my relatives and subject to verbal abuse because of my poverty.

Lord Sri Raghavendra Swamy please protect us.

 

kShEmaMkarastvaM bhavAMbhOdhimajja jjanAnAmiti tvAM prapannOsmi bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 51 ||

I am surrendering myself unto you because you look after the welfare of people who are struggling in the ocean of samsAra. Lord Sri Raghavendra Swamy please protect us.

kRuShNAvadhUtEna gItEna mAtrakSha rAdyEna gAthAstavEnEDhya bhO

shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya shrI rAghavEMdrArya pAhi prabhO || 52 ||

This musical stuti extolling you has been composed by Krishna avadhoota by using the mAtruka aksharas

(alphabets from ‘a’ kaara to ‘ksha’ kaara).

Lord Sri Raghavendra Swamy please protect us!

 

bhAratI ramaNa mukhyaprANAMtargata shrI kRuShNArpaNamastu

 

-------------------------------- end of the message -----

 

----- Forwarded Message ----MYP Moderator <MYP.Moderator* Madhwa Yuva Parishat <MadhwaYuvaParishat >Cc: Sriprasad VMS <sripi; Shobha Srinivasan <srinivasans; Sripriya Sridhar <sripriya_sridhar70; Kale Balkrishna <kale1972Friday, August 7, 2009 6:57:53 PMRe: [MYP] Aksharamalika Stotra - Explaination in English with stOtra in Multiple Languages [1 Attachment]

 

 

|| Sri GururajO vijayathE ||

 

namaste all,

 

Here is the much promised long awaited writeup on Akshara Maala stuti.

By the grace of Sri Rayaru, Sri Hunsur Sriprasad has been able to finish it by the time of the Aradhane.

 

The document includes following:- Notes on the author, chhandas etc

- translation and meanings in English for each line of the shlOka- the actual stuti in various languages - Kannada, Devnagari, Telugu & Tamil

Please use this to the maximum extent to get the kAruNya & krupe of our kaliyuga kalpatharu & kAmadhEnu.

 

We are immensely thankful to Sri Hunsur Sriprasad for this treat on this auspicious day of Sri Raraya Aradhane.

We also thank the following people for their Just In Time help to complete this document

Smt Sripriya Sridhar

Smt Shobha Srinivasan

Sri Balakrishna Kale

** akaroxiskruta shIshah samupExita bhAvajah **

iMdu enagE gOviMda, ninnaya pAdAravindava thOrO mukundanE

dheera vENugOpAla, pArugANisayya konegE

|| Sri Krishnarpanamastu ||