Padhuka Sahasram-827

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Sri:

 

SrimatE Gopaladesika MahadesikAya Namaha,

 

Translation by U.Ve. Dr. V.N. Vedanta Desikan Swamin:

 

827. nAthikrAmEccharaNavahanAthpAdhukA pAdhapITam

yadhvAsannam paramiha sadhA BhAthi rAjAsanasya

pUrvathraIva praNihithamaBhUth hantha rAmENa rAjyam

shankE Bharthurbahumathipadham vikramE sAhacharyam

 

As the Paaduka bears the feet of the Lord during walks and travels,

the padapadmapeeta or foot-seat bears the Lord's feet. Therefore, one

cannot outright concede the priority of place for coronation to the

Paaduka. The Foot-seat remains near the throne at all times. Then why

did they choose the Paaduka as Rama's deputy for coronation?

Naturally, one would choose, as one's deputy or substitute, only one

who assists him in his exploits (and tours); this role having been

fulfilled by the Paaduka, it was chosen for installation as the Ruler.

 

Namo Narayana,

 

SriMuralidhara Dasan

 

 

Special Notes by V.Sadagopan(V.S):

 

SlOkam 827

 

1) UtthamUr Swamy's anubhavam: Swamy Desikan uses the two meanings

of the word " Vikramam " in this verse to explain that the PaadhukAs

are superior to the Paadha peetam , where RaamA rests His feet with

the PaadhukAs. Vikramam can mean either valor or foot step. He

says: " This Paadha Peetam under the throne of Raama is not superior

to the PaadhukAs even if it bears the weight of RaamA's feet, when He

sits on the throne . It will not be equal to the PaadhukAs although

it shares some of the duties of the PaadhukAs. If one inquires

deeply, one understands that the Paadha Peetam stays always next to

the throne. On the contrary , the PaadhukAs have a much more

responsible function. RaamA entrusted the PaadhukAs to govern His

kingdom , when He was away for fourteen years. I think it is the

valor of the PaadhukAs that made RaamA entrust His kingdom to them

since they have particpated with Him in many heroic campaigns. "

 

2) SrImath Andavan's anubhavam: At one time, RaamA entrusted the

empire to His Paadhukais. He did not choose them for supporting the

feet. If that were to be the case, then the foot rest close to the

throne could have been given that awesome responsibility. The reason

why the Lord chose His Paadhukai was that it was clever and brave in

performing its duties .

 

3) In protecting (supporting) the feet of its Master, the foot rest

wins over the Paadhukais (CharaNa vahanAth PaadhukA Paadha peeDam

nAthikrAmEth). Further (yadhvA), the foot rest stays much closer to

the throne (Paadha peeDam sadhA rAjAsanasya aasannam bhAthi).

However , the kingdom was entrusted to the aforesaid Paadhukai by

RaamA (RaamENa rAjyam poorvathraiva praNihitham abhUth). I think

that in valor, the one that walks together becomes an object of

celebration by the Master ( vikramE Saahacharyam Bharthu:

bahumathipadham sankhE )....(V.S).