Sumukha

[Guest guest]

Dear Bhaktas,

 

(I came across a very good booklet about the life of Thirumazhisai Alwar

written by Dr.Prema Nandakumar. It is quite an old book which I found in

the attic of my house. I wish to share a small story about Sumukha

presented in the conclusion of the booklet)

 

The story of Sumukha occurs in the Udyoga parva of Mahabharata. Matali

chose Sumukha, a serpent prince as the groom for his daughter,Gunakesi.

Sumukha's grandfather Aryaka told Matalu that Garuda had eaten Sumukha's

father and had vowed to eat the boy as well. Undeterred, Matali went to

indra for hlep. Upendra(Narayana) who was there suggested giving Sumukha

some nectar. Indra was afraid of Garuda and hence gave him only long

life. The wedding was solemnised. When garuda went to Indra in anger for

coming in the way of his prey, Sumukha held on to the cot of Sriman

Narayana. Garuda was full of pride now berated the lord. Wasn't he

stronger that Sriman Narayana as he is the mount? But when tested,

Garuda could nnot move even the hand of the lord who then told him to

avoid such pride. Placing the serpent sumukha on garuda he said " Give

him refuge. Gaurd him. " From that day onwards Garuda and Sumukha became

good friends.

 

Is there any parameter for the compassion of the lord, wonders

Thirumazhisai Alwar.The lord had so beautifully resolved the problem by

requesting garuda to be sumukha's refuge. For Garuda is the chief among

his devotees and he too should not be hurt in anyway. Instead of himself

gaurding Sumukha, he yet made garuda the gaurdian and effected a

permanent reconciliation.

 

Surrender to the lord thus takes away fear even from the lowest in his

creation. Whence then should we be afraid of lofe on earth or a hell

beyond? Repeat narayana's name and all willl be well, is the final

message of Bhaktisara(Thirumazhisai Alwar) for us:

 

" By listening to the holy name

Sung to dancing steps

By Devotees all over the world,

The doors of hell have been destroyed.

Hasten to worship Krishna

Who gaurded the world

In the great deluge

My good heart! He exists to gaurd us.

The good lord is here. He lives on

In the hearts of thouse who meditate upon him,

Unequalled, he equals humseld. Be sure

Hw gaurds poor me and my like "

 

--- Nanmukhan Thiruvanthathi (Verses 80 & 86)

 

more to come on Bhaktisara (Thirumazhisai Alwar)

 

Bhaktisarar thiruvadigale saranam.

 

Daasan,

 

malOlan

 

 

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