Five Forms of Sriman Narayana and Azhwar Mangalasasanam

Five Forms of Sriman Narayana and 

Azhwar Mangalasasanam

As we visit Divya Desams and pray to Lord Ranganatha, Lord Srinivasan, Lord Varadaraja, Lord Venkatakrishnan etc.., Let us remember these archa avatars are nothing but another form Lord Sriman Narayana alias Para Vasudeva of Paramapadam. Bhagavat Sri Ramanuja taught us that Parabrahman, manifests in five possible aspects: Para, Vyūha, Vibhava and Antaryamin. Para form is the first immanent manifestation of the Supreme Being. Vyuha has four manifestaions namely Vuyha Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradhyumna and Anirudhdha. Vuyha Vasudeva was created by Para Vasudevan. Sankarshana came from Vuyha Vasudeva. Pradhyumna came from Sankarshana and Aniruddha came from Pradhumna. 


Sri Velukkudi Krishnan in his Thirumaalai Saram discourse had commented on focus of Each Azwar on a specific form of Para Vasudevan. Thirumazhisai Azhwar Focused on Anthayamithvam. Mudhal Azhwars focused on Parathvam. Rest of the Azhwars focused on either Vibhava Avatars such Sri Rama, Sri Krishna and Archa Avatars. Thirumangai Azhwar got into his horse and visited 86 Divya Desams to perform Mangalasasanam. Andal, Periazhwar and Nammazhwar Focused on Vibhava Avatar Sri Krishna. Kulasekara Azhwar focused on Vibhava Avatar Sri Krishna and Sri Rama. Thondarapodi Azhwar focused on Archa Avatars at Srirangam and Thirumalai( Lord Srinivasa). Thiruppaanazhwar confined himself to Lord Ranganatha Only. Madhurakavi Azwar composed pasurams ( Kanninun Siruthambu) on Nammazhwar

Characteristics of Vuyha Form of Para Vasudeva

Ashta Sloki By Sri Parasara Bhattar

Ashta Sloki By Sri Parasara Bhattar

If ever one wanted to enjoy the essence of Moola Manthram, Dwayam and Charma slokam along with the importance of understanding Sri Mahalakshmi's role in getting the devotees closer to The Lord's feet, who surrender unconditionally and without expecting fruits for their kainkaryams  or Nithya Karma, the one best sloka is Sri Parasara Bhattar's Ashta Sloki of eight verses.

The first four verses dwell on Moola Mnathram namely " AuM Namo Narayanaya". The fifth and sixth verses dwell on Dwayam and the on the significant role of Mahalakshmi. Seventh verse dwells on the Charma slokam. The final verse emphasizes the need to have unshkable faith in the paramatma and divine Consort and unconditional surrender to them. The sloka concludes for such devotees who follow above suggested disciplines, Sriman Narayana would erase their sins.

Ashta Sloki by Sri Parasara Bhattar is packed with the essence of  Rahasya Thrayam

                                       

For in depth meaning please visit http://www.ibiblio.org/sadagopan/ahobilavalli/8sloki.pdf. The authors have done a great job.

Sri Ranganatha Stotram By Sri Parasara Bhattar

Sri Ranganatha Stotram By Sri Parasara Bhattar
------------------------------------------------------------
Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam is unique in many ways. 

Lord Ranganatha is
1) Swayambhu ( Manifested out His Will)
2) Worshiped By Brahmma
3) Has the distinction of Managalasasanam from 11 Azhwars
4) Ishvaku Kula Deivam and worshipped By Lord Rama
5) Worshiped by Adi Sankara (propagator of Adwaitham)
6) Worshiped by Sri Bhagavath Ramanuja (propagator of VisishtaAdwaitham)
7) Worshiped Sri Madhwacharya (propagator of Dwaitham)
8 ) Worshiped by Sri Krishna Prabhullapada
9) Worshiped by the Three Great saints of Carnatic Music
10) Biggest Temple with seven Prakarams and vast acreage of land
11) Worshiped by Vibheeshana ( visits the temple every 12 years)
12) Archavathara Lord broke the silence and spoke to Acharyas
13) Requested services of Sri Ramanuja from Kanchi Perarulaalan.
14) Listened to Thiruvaaimozhi vyaakyanam, honored Manavala Mamunigal with a Thanian

We can go on and on.

Sri Parasara Bhattar was the foster son of Divya Thampathis of Srirangam. One of his compositions is Sri Ranganatha Stotram. Sri Parsara Bhattar graphically describes Lord Ranganatha as the one who is

1) Reclining on Adisesha
2) Sleeping is yoga nidra pose
3) Under Ranga Vimanam resembiling a lotus bud
4) in temple Surrounded by seven Prakarams
5) Located between Cauvery and its tributory Kollidam
6) Having his Right hand near His crown
7) Pointing His Left hand to his Padams
8) Having long Eyes
9) Wearing Pundarikam
10) Smiling face
11) Wearing a crown with gems
12) with beautiful lips
13) Having body that glitters like sapphire of Indra

Parasara Bhattar, who lived so close to Thiruvarangan, says he would prefer to be  born as a street dog serving in Srirangam rather than having the opportunity to drink the nectar or spending time in Heaven

                                     

Ranganatha Ashtakam by Sri. Adi Sankara

Ranganatha Ashtakam Adi Sankara

Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam is unique in many ways. Lord Ranganatha is

1.    Swayambhu ( Manifested out His Will)

2.    Worshipped By Brahmma

3.    Has the distinction of Managalasasanam performed by 11 Azhwars

4.    Ishvaku Kula Deivam and worshipped By Lord Rama

5.    Worshipped by Adi Sankara (propagator of Adwaitham)

6.    Worshipped by Sri Bhagavath Ramanuja (propagator of VisishtaAdwaitham)

7.    Worshipped Sri Madhwacharya (propagator of Dwaitham)

8.    Worshipped by Sri Krishna Prabhullapada

9.    Worshipped by the Three Great saints of Carnatic Music

10.Biggest Temple with seven Prakarams and vast acreage of land

11.Worshipped by Vibheeshana ( visits the temple every 12 years)

12.Archavathara Lord broke the silence and spoke to selected Acharyas

13.Requested services of Sri Ramanuja from Kanchi Perarulaalan

14.Listened to Thiruvaaimozhi vyaakyaam, honored Mamunigal with a Thanian

         

We can go on and on.

Let us see how Adi Sanakara, who worshipped Lord Ranganatha in Srirangam, enjoys HIS Kalayana Gunams and soundaryam in his Sri Ranganatha Ashtakam.

Adi Sanakara instructs his mind to dwell on Lord Ranaganatha

1.    Whose  form is full of bliss and Beautiful

2.    Whose form reflects knowledge and as laid out in Vedic scripts

3.    Who lives on the banks of cauvery and below the Mandhara tree

4.    Who has Goddess Lakshmi residing in HIM, Who is the abode of Universe

5.    Who is Antharanga in all and Who is worshipped as Mukunda

6.    Who was saluted by Brahmma, Vyasa, Sanaka, Devas and entire World

7.    Who is perfect yogic nidra and Who also Sleeps milky ocean

8.    Who Protects Srirangam and lever lets his down his devotees

9.    Who sleeps on Adisesha, Lap of Lakshmi, On Milky Ocean and Banayan Leaf

10.Who uses Garuda as vahana, and from HIS feet Ganga emantes

 Adi Sanakara concludes that whoever sheds his mortal coil in Srirangam, would escape from  the Cycle of Birth and death.

Parasara Bhatter and Adi Sankara Stotrams on Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam

Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam is unique in many ways. Lord Ranganatha is

·         Swayambhu ( Manifested out His Will)

·         Worshipped By Brahmma

·         Has the distinction of Managalasasanam performed by 11 Azhwars

·         Ishvaku Kula Deivam and worshipped By Lord Rama

·         Worshipped by Adi Sankara (propagator of Adwaitham)

·         Worshipped by Sri Bhagavath Ramanuja (propagator of VisishtaAdwaitham)

·         Worshipped Sri Madhwacharya (propagator of Dwaitham)

·         Worshipped by Sri Krishna Prabhullapada

·         Worshipped by the Three Great saints of Carnatic Music

·         Biggest Temple with seven Prakarams and vast acreage of land

·         Worshipped by Vibheeshana ( visits the temple every 12 years)

·         Archavathara Lord broke the silence and spoke to selected Acharyas

·         Requested services of Sri Ramanuja from Kanchi Perarulaalan.

·         Listened to Thiruvaaimozhi vyaakyaam, honored Mamunigal with a Thanian

We can go on and on.

Sri Parasara Bhattar was the foster son of Divya Thampathis of Srirangam. One of his compositions is Sri Ranganatha Stotram. Sri Parsara Bhattar graphically describes Lord Ranganatha as the one who is

·         Reclining on Adisesha

·         Sleeping is yoga nidra pose

·         Under Ranga Vimanam resembiling a lotus bud

·         Surrounded by seven Prakarams

·         Located between Cauvery and its tributory Kollidam

·         His Right hand near His crown

·         Pointing His Left hand to his Padams

·         Long Eyes

·         Wearing Pundarikam

·         Smiling face

·         Wearing a crown with gems

·         Beautiful lips

·         His body glitters like sapphire of Indra

Parasara Bhattar,  who lived so close to Thiruvarangan, says he would prefer to be  born as a street dog serving in Srirangam rather than having the opportunity to drink the nectar or spending time in Deva Loka.

Let us see how Adi Sanakara, who worshipped Lord Ranganatha in Srirangam, enjoys HIS Kalayana Gunams and soundaryam in his Sri Ranganatha Ashtakam.

Adi Sanakara instructs his mind to dwell on Lord Ranaganatha

·         Whose  form is full of bliss and Beautiful

·         Whose form reflects knowledge and as laid out in Vedic scripts

·         Who lives on the banks of cauvery and below the Mandhara tree

·         Who has Goddess Lakshmi residing in HIM, Who is the abode of Universe

·         Who is Antharanga in all and Who is worshipped as Mukunda

·         Who was saluted by Brahmma, Vyasa, Sanaka, Devas and entire World

·         Who is perfect yogic nidra and Who also Sleeps milky ocean

·         Who Protects Srirangam and lever lets his down his devotees

·         Who sleeps on Adisesha, Lap of Lakshmi, On Milky Ocean and Banayan Leaf

·         Who uses Garuda as vahana, and from HIS feet Ganga emantes

 Adi Sanakara concludes that whoever sheds his mortal coil in Srirangam, would escape from  the Cycle of Birth and death.

Though Adwaitha and Visitaadwaitha philosophies may be differ but Adi Sankara and Parasara Bhattar agree That Lord Ranganatha is the most compassionate paramatma who is also an antharanga in everyone and Srirangam as the most important Punya Kshetra.

Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam is unique in many ways. Lord Ranganatha is

·         Swayambhu ( Manifested out His Will)

·         Worshipped By Brahmma

·         Has the distinction of Managalasasanam performed by 11 Azhwars

·         Ishvaku Kula Deivam and worshipped By Lord Rama

·         Worshipped by Adi Sankara (propagator of Adwaitham)

·         Worshipped by Sri Bhagavath Ramanuja (propagator of VisishtaAdwaitham)

·         Worshipped Sri Madhwacharya (propagator of Dwaitham)

·         Worshipped by Sri Krishna Prabhullapada

·         Worshipped by the Three Great saints of Carnatic Music

·         Biggest Temple with seven Prakarams and vast acreage of land

·         Worshipped by Vibheeshana ( visits the temple every 12 years)

·         Archavathara Lord broke the silence and spoke to selected Acharyas

·         Requested services of Sri Ramanuja from Kanchi Perarulaalan.

·         Listened to Thiruvaaimozhi vyaakyaam, honored Mamunigal with a Thanian

We can go on and on.

Sri Parasara Bhattar was the foster son of Divya Thampathis of Srirangam. One of his compositions is Sri Ranganatha Stotram. Sri Parsara Bhattar graphically describes Lord Ranganatha as the one who is

·         Reclining on Adisesha

·         Sleeping is yoga nidra pose

·         Under Ranga Vimanam resembiling a lotus bud

·         Surrounded by seven Prakarams

·         Located between Cauvery and its tributory Kollidam

·         His Right hand near His crown

·         Pointing His Left hand to his Padams

·         Long Eyes

·         Wearing Pundarikam

·         Smiling face

·         Wearing a crown with gems

·         Beautiful lips

·         His body glitters like sapphire of Indra

Parasara Bhattar,  who lived so close to Thiruvarangan, says he would prefer to be  born as a street dog serving in Srirangam rather than having the opportunity to drink the nectar or spending time in Deva Loka.

Let us see how Adi Sanakara, who worshipped Lord Ranganatha in Srirangam, enjoys HIS Kalayana Gunams and soundaryam in his Sri Ranganatha Ashtakam.

Adi Sanakara instructs his mind to dwell on Lord Ranaganatha

·         Whose  form is full of bliss and Beautiful

·         Whose form reflects knowledge and as laid out in Vedic scripts

·         Who lives on the banks of cauvery and below the Mandhara tree

·         Who has Goddess Lakshmi residing in HIM, Who is the abode of Universe

·         Who is Antharanga in all and Who is worshipped as Mukunda

·         Who was saluted by Brahmma, Vyasa, Sanaka, Devas and entire World

·         Who is perfect yogic nidra and Who also Sleeps milky ocean

·         Who Protects Srirangam and lever lets his down his devotees

·         Who sleeps on Adisesha, Lap of Lakshmi, On Milky Ocean and Banayan Leaf

·         Who uses Garuda as vahana, and from HIS feet Ganga emantes

 Adi Sanakara concludes that whoever sheds his mortal coil in Srirangam, would escape from  the Cycle of Birth and death.

Though Adwaitha and Visitaadwaitha philosophies may be differ but Adi Sankara and Parasara Bhattar agree That Lord Ranganatha is the most compassionate paramatma who is also an antharanga in everyone and Srirangam as the most important Punya Kshetra. 

Click on the link to see the videos and listen to Stotrams

Sri Ranganatha Ashtakam by Sri Adi Sankara 

Sri Ranganatha Stotram by Sri Parasara Bhattar 

Nalaayira Divya Prabhandham Count

உயர்வற வுயர்நலம் முடையவன் யவனவன் - Parmatma Svarupam

Devotees aspiring Moksham need to have a good understanding of Artha Panchakam. The following sloka explains this. Sri Velukkudi Krishnan refers to a sloka explaining Artha Panchakam

प्राप्यस्य ब्रह्मणो रूपं प्राप्तुश्च प्रत्यगात्मनः।

प्राप्त्युपायं फलं चैव तथा प्राप्तिविरोधिः च॥

वदन्ति सकला वेदाः सेतिहासपुराणकाः।

मुनयश्च महात्मानो वेदवेदाड़्गवेदिनः॥

From a discourse on Thiruvaaimozhi Saram, Sri Velukudi Krishana says that Artha Panchakam spells out Paramatma Svarupam, ( nature of Paramatma) Jeevatma Svarupam (nature of Jeevatma), Virodhi svarupam ( nature of obstacles that prevent Jeevatma from focusing on reaching Paramatma), Prapaththi ( means or upaya), Service to The Lord ( how to serve the Lord).  

Parasara Bhattar’s Thanian explains that the entire Thiruvaaimozhi is focused on Artha Panchakam

மிக்க இறைநிலையும் மெய்யாம் உயிர்நிலையும்

தக்க நெறியும் தடையாகித் -- தொக்கியலும்

ஊழ்வினையும், வாழ்வினையும் ஓதும் குருகையர்கோன்

யாழின் இசை வேதத்தியல்.

[மிக்க இறைநிலை - பரமாத்ம சொரூபம்

 உயிர்நிலை - ஜீவாத்ம சொரூபம்

 தக்கநெறி - உபாய சொரூபம் 

 தடையாகித் தொக்கியலும் ஊழ்வினையும் - விரோதி சொரூபம்

 வாழ்வினையும் - புருஷார்த்த சொரூபம்]

Sri Velukkudi Krishnan also mentions 200 pasurams 

(20 Thiruvaaimozhi) explains the  five doctrines and remaining 80 

Thiruvaaimozhi are meant elaborate these concepts. The first 

Thiruvaaimozhi “Uyarvara Uyar Nalam Udaiyavan Evanavan” 

speaks about the Paramatma Svarupam and Nammazhwar probably

 refers to Perumal Kovil Sri Perarulaalan.