Narayaneeyam – Dasakam 2 – Sloka 10

Preamble

Having brought out the distinct advantages of Bhakti Yoga in the previous Slokas, Bhattathri concludes this Dasakam with a fervent prayer to Lord Guruvayurappan in Sloka 10.

Audio Link

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xzjy6aktmvhbodb/Verse%202.10.mp3?dl=0

Sanskrit Verse

त्वद्भक्तिस्तु कथारसामृतझरीनिर्मज्जनेन स्वयं

सिद्ध्यन्ती विमलप्रबोधपदवीमक्लेशतस्तन्वती ।

सद्यस्सिद्धिकरी जयत्ययि विभो सैवास्तु मे त्वत्पद-

प्रेमप्रौढिरसार्द्रता द्रुततरं वातालयाधीश्वर ॥१०॥

English Transliteration

tvadbhaktistu kathaarasaamR^itajhariinirmajjanena svayaM

siddhyantii vimalaprabOdhapadaviimakleshatastanvatii |

sadyassiddhikarii jayatyayi vibhO saivaastu me tvatpadapremaprauDhirasaardrataadrutataraM vaataalayaadhiishvara

Tamil Transliteration

த்வத்₃ப₄க்திஸ்து கதா₂ரஸாம்ருதஜ₂ரீநிர்மஜ்ஜநேந ஸ்வயம்

ஸித்₃த்₄யந்தீ விமலப்ரபோ₃த₄பத₃வீமக்லேஶதஸ்தந்வதீ |

ஸத்₃யஸ்ஸித்₃தி₄கரீ ஜயத்யயி விபோ₄ ஸைவாஸ்து மே த்வத்பத₃-

ப்ரேமப்ரௌடி₄ரஸார்த்₃ரதா த்₃ருததரம் வாதாலயாதீ₄ஶ்வர || 10||

Meaning in Tamil

உன் சரிதமெனும் அமுத வெள்ளப் பேரின்பமதில் மூழ்கி யாம்

உளம் திளைத்தால் எளிதினில் அடைய வல்லது பக்தி நிலை

உடனடி கிட்டிடுமே மேலான மாசிலாப் பேரின்ப ஞான நிலை

அளவிலா பற்றுடன் அடியேன் உன் திருவடி போற்றி

உளமுருகி புளகிதம் பெற அருளிடுவாய் விரைவினிலே

உலகாளோனே அந்நிலை எனக்கு குருவாயூரப்பனே 2.10

Meaning in English

O all pervading Lord! Devotion to Thee is easily attainable just by submerging oneself in the nectarine flood of Thy stories. This can be done without much effort and it instantly leads to pure Knowledge – Bliss. O Lord of Guruvaayur! May I soon experience that state of melting of the heart in intense love for Thy lotus feet.

Meaning of the Sanskrit Words

त्वद्भक्तिः तु = त्वत्-भक्तिः तु = devotion to Thee, indeed

कथारसामृतझरीनिर्मज्जनेन = कथायाः + रसः + अमृतम् + झरी = कथारस-अमृतझरी = in the flow of nectar showering from Thy stories

निमज्जनम् = by submerging in its bliss =

स्वयम् सिद्ध्यन्ती = is self attainable, directly

विमलप्रबोधपदवीम् = विमल-प्रबोध-पदवीम् = the state of pure knowledge and enlightenment

अक्लेशतः = (नक्लेशः = अक्लेशः) = without any effort

तन्वती = bestows (because it gives)

सद्यः सिद्धिकरी = instant achievement

जयति = (and) is superior (to the other two paths)

अयि विभो = O Thou Universal Lord!

सा एव अस्तु मे = may I have that (Bhakti)

त्वत्पदप्रेमप्रौढिरसार्द्रता = त्वत्-पद-प्रेम-प्रौढि-रस-आर्द्रता = the state of melting of the heart from the bliss of intense love for Thy feet

द्रुततरम् = very soon

वातालयाधीश्वर = O Lord of Guruvaayur!

Narayaneeyam – Dasakam 2 – Sloka 9

Pencil Sketch by my niece

Preamble

There are six important Slokas (Slokas 9-14) of Isavasya Upanishad that clearly bring out the limitations of following the paths of Karma, Upasana and Gnana in isolation, in our spiritual journey. A seamless integrated approach is what is recommended for ordinary mortals like us in our journey. I get a feeling that Bhattathri echoes this philosophy in Sloka 9. Let us study this Sloka.

Audio Link

https://www.dropbox.com/s/67ztrum4updugn9/Verse%202.9.mp3?dl=0

Sanskrit Verse

अत्यायासकराणि कर्मपटलान्याचर्य निर्यन्मला

बोधे भक्तिपथेऽथवाऽप्युचिततामायान्ति किं तावता

क्लिष्ट्वा तर्कपथे परं तव वपुर्ब्रह्माख्यमन्ये पुन

श्चित्तार्द्रत्वमृते विचिन्त्य बहुभिस्सिद्ध्यन्ति जन्मान्तरैः॥९॥

English Transliteration

atyaayaasakaraaNi karmapaTalaanyaacharya niryanmalaaH

bOdhe bhaktipathe(a)thavaa(a)pyuchitataamaayaanti kiM taavataa |

kliShTvaa tarkapathe paraM tava vapurbrahmaakhyamanye punashchittaardratvamR^

ite vichintya bahubhissiddhyanti janmaantaraiH ||

Tamil Transliteration

அத்யாயாஸகராணி கர்மபடலாந்யாசர்ய நிர்யந்மலா

போ₃தே₄ ப₄க்திபதே₂(அ)த₂வா(அ)ப்யுசிததாமாயாந்தி கிம் தாவதா |

க்லிஷ்ட்வா தர்கபதே₂ பரம் தவ வபுர்ப்₃ரஹ்மாக்₂யமந்யே புந-

ஶ்சித்தார்த்₃ரத்வம்ருதே விசிந்த்ய ப₃ஹுபி₄ஸ்ஸித்₃த்₄யந்தி ஜந்மாந்தரை: || 9||

Meaning in Tamil

முழுமுயல்வும் மிகு சிரமமும் ஏற்று கர்மயோகம்தனைப் புரிந்து

மும்மலமகற்றி ஞான பக்தி யோகம் புரிய தகுதி பெறுவர் சிலர்.

இத்துனை முயன்றினும் அவர்தம் பெற்றிடும் பயன்தான் என்ன !

உளஅழுத்தமிகு தருக்கம் பல புரிந்து பிரமமெனும் பரம்பொருளை

உணர உழையும் பலர்; எனினும் உளமுருகி உனைப்பாடா அவர்

பல பிறவி எடுத்து அல்லல் எனும் மாசு அறுத்தடைவர் உனையே !

2.9

Meaning in English

O Lord! Some people follow the path of Karma Yoga,and perform the various disciplines for long and attain mental purity. This only entitles them to become fit for the practice of Gyaana or Bhakti yoga. Some others strive hard pondering over the attributeless Supreme Brahman, based on logic and reason. They, without melting their hearts in love for Thee, take a long time to reach their goal of perfection.

Meaning of the Sanskrit Words

अत्यायासकराणि = अति-आयास-कराणि = great + effort + to be done = demanding great effort –

कर्मपटलानि = कर्मणाम् पटलम् कर्मपटलम् = Karma + portion/piece/section/chapter = the disciplines of Karma (yoga) = கர்மயோக

आचर्य = to be approached = by performing = புரிந்து

निर्यन्मलाः = निर्यन्तः + मलाः = set free + impurity = become purified (in mind) = மலமகற்றி

बोधे = awakening/knowledge = (required) for following the path of Gyaana (yoga) = ஞானோதயம்

भक्तिपथे अथवा अपि = भक्ते: + पथम् + अथवा + अपि  = devotee + path + rather/and + also = and also for the path of Bhakti (yoga) = பக்தி மாரக்கமதிலும்

उचितताम् आयान्ति = उचितताम् + आयान्ति = fitness + gain = (one) gains fitness – தகுதி பெற்று

किम् तावता = किं + तावता = why + to that extent = what is the use (after spending so much effort) = இத்துனை முயற்சியின் பலன் என்ன

क्लिष्ट्वा तर्कपथे = क्लिष्ट्वा तर्कपथे = क्लिष्ट्वा + (तर्कस्य पथम् ) तर्कपथम् = distress/strain + logical reasoning + path = of straining in the path of logical reasoning (Gyaana yoga) = மிகை முயல் தருக்க விளை ஞான யோகம்

परम् तव वपुः ब्रह्माख्यम् = परं + तव + वपु: + ब्रह्म + आख्यम्- = Supreme + You + body + Brahman + name/known = (because) Thy unmanifested aspect known as Supreme Brahman = பிரமனெனும் பரம் பொருள்

अन्ये पुनः = others, however மற்றோர் எனினும்

चित्तार्द्रत्वम् ऋते = चित्त + आर्द्रत्वम् + ऋते = mind/heart + wet/moist/ + without = without melting of the heart (in love) – உளம் உருகி

विचिन्त्य = pondering over (trying to fathom)= தீர எண்ணி

बहुभिः = (take) a lot of (time) – வெகு நேரம்

सिद्ध्यन्ति = मनसः आर्द्रता = accomplishing = attain அடைவர்

जन्मान्तरैः = जन्मन: + अन्तर: = life + another = अनेकजन्मभिः = after many lives – பல பிறவி எடுத்த பின்

Narayaneeyam – Dasakam 2 – Sloka 8

Audio Link

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8z35twv6eldlvvd/Verse%202.8.mp3?dl=0

Sanskrit Verse

निष्कामं नियतस्वधर्मचरणं यत् कर्मयोगाभिधं

तद्दूरेत्यफलं यदौपनिषदज्ञानोपलभ्यं पुनः ।

तत्त्वव्यक्ततया सुदुर्गमतरं चित्तस्य तस्माद्विभो

त्वत्प्रेमात्मकभक्तिरेव सततं स्वादीयसी श्रेयसी ॥८॥

English Transliteration

niShkaamaM niyatasvadharmacharaNaM yat karmayOgaabhidhaM

tadduuretyaphalaM yadaupaniShadaj~naanOpalabhyaM punaH |

tattvavyaktatayaa sudurgamataraM chittasya tasmaadvibhO

tvatpremaatmakabhaktireva satataM svaadiiyasii shreyasii 8

Tamil Transliteration

நிஷ்காமம் நியதஸ்வத₄ர்மசரணம் யத் கர்மயோகா₃பி₄த₄ம்

தத்₃தூ₃ரேத்யப₂லம் யதௌ₃பநிஷத₃ஜ்ஞாநோபலப்₄யம் புந: |

தத்த்வவ்யக்ததயா ஸுது₃ர்க₃மதரம் சித்தஸ்ய தஸ்மாத்₃விபோ₄

த்வத்ப்ரேமாத்மகப₄க்திரேவ ஸததம் ஸ்வாதீ₃யஸீ ஶ்ரேயஸீ || 8||

Meaning in Tamil

பற்றிலா புரி வரைபணியெனும் கர்மயோகம்

பலனளிக்க காலம் வெகு கடந்திடும்

உபநிடதச்சாறெனும் பரம்பொருள் கண்டறியும் ஞானயோகம்

முதிர்வடையா மூலபாடமதனால், முனைய மனம் கானும் கடினம்

காதலாகி உளமுருகி உனைத் துதிக்கும் பக்தியோகம்

அளவிலா இனிமையுடன் என்றும் பேரின்பம் உலகோனே 2.8

Meaning in English

While Karma yoga consisting of all actions without desire for results,

Would yield results only after a very long time and while Jnana Yoga,

ஸWhich is available in the concepts enunciated in the Upanishads,

Is extremely difficult to follow, due to its being not in the grip of various sensory organs,

Oh Lord, the devotion to you based on love to you is very sweet and satisfying. 2.8

காதலாகிக் கசிந்து கண்ணீர் மல்கி
ஓதுவார் தமை நன்நெறிக்கு உய்ப்பது
வேதம் நான்கினும் மெய்ப்பொருளாவது
நாதன் நாமம் நமச்சிவாயவே.

என்ற திருஞானசம்பந்தரின் திருப்பதிகம் என் நினைவிற்கு வருகிறது.

Meaning of the Sanskrit Words

निष्कामम् – desire less, without self desire

नियतस्वधर्मचरणम् – नियतः + स्वधर्मः (स्वस्य ध) + चरणम् = assigned/laid down + one’s own duty + practice/follow = performance of one’s duties

यत् कर्मयोगाभिधम्  = यत् + कर्मयोगः + इति + अभिधम् = that + karma yoga + which is + named = that which is called Karma yoga – கர்மயோகம்

तत् दूरेत्यफलम् = तत् + दूरात्एत्यम् + फलं = that + distant + fruitful = that becomes fruitful only in a distant future

यत् औपनिषदज्ञानोपलभ्यम् पुनः = यत् + औपनिषदः + उपलभ्यम् + ज्ञानं + पुनः = (Note – औपनिषदोपलभ्यं च तत् ज्ञानं च = औपनिषदज्ञानोपलभ्यम्) = that which + the fruit of the Upanishad which is Brahman + knowledge + again = (again) that which consists in attaining knowledge of Brahman as described in the Upanishads

तत् तु अव्यक्ततया = तत् + तु + न व्यक्तता = अव्यक्त = that + indeed + not evolved = तत्-तु-अव्यक्ततया = that indeed being abstract

सुदुर्गमतरम् चित्तस्य = सुदुर्गमतरम् + चित्तस्य = very difficult to cross + for the mind = is very difficult for the mind to pursue

तस्मात् विभो = hence, O All pervading Lord

त्वत्प्रेमात्मकभक्तिः एव = त्वत्प्रेम (त्वयि प्रेम ) + आत्मा + भक्तिः + एव = Love for you + soul + devotion + only = the Bhakti yoga which consists only in love for Thee

सततम् = is always

स्वादीयसी = अतिमधुरा = the sweetest

श्रेयसी = most beneficial

Narayaneeyam – Dasakam 2 – Slokam 7 – Bhakti Yoga

Audio Link

https://www.dropbox.com/s/isk0vxwvmawjauk/Verse%202.7.mp3?dl=0

Sanskrit Verse

एवम्भूततया हि भक्त्यभिहितो योगस्स योगद्वयात्

कर्मज्ञानमयाद् भृशोत्तमतरो योगीश्वरैर्गीयते

सौन्दर्यैकरसात्मके त्वयि खलु प्रेमप्रकर्षात्मिका

भक्तिर्निःश्रममेव विश्वपुरुषैर्लभ्या रमावल्लभ ॥७॥

English Transliteration

evambhuutatayaa hi bhaktyabhihitO yOgassa yOgadvayaat

karmaj~naanamayaat bhR^ishOttamatarO yOgiishvarairgiiyate |

saundaryaikarasaatmake tvayi khalu premaprakarShaatmikaa

bhaktirnishramameva vishvapuruShairlabhyaa ramaavallabha || 7

Tamil Transliteration

ஏவம் பூ₄ததயா ஹி ப₄க்த்யபி₄ஹிதோ யோக₃ஸ்ஸ யோக₃த்₃வயாத்

கர்மஜ்ஞாநமயாத் ப்₄ருஶோத்தமதரோ யோகீ₃ஶ்வரைர்கீ₃யதே |

ஸௌந்த₃ர்யைகரஸாத்மகே த்வயி க₂லு ப்ரேமப்ரகர்ஷாத்மிகா

ப₄க்திர்நிஶ்ரமமேவ விஶ்வபுருஷைர்லப்₄யா ரமாவல்லப₄ || 7||

Meaning in Tamil

உனை அடையும் கர்ம ஞான வழி இரண்டிற்கும் மேல் உயர்வு

எனப் பெருமுனியோர் புகழாரம் பாடினரே பக்தி வழிதனை !

முனைவுடன் உளமுருகி உன்னெழில் வடிவு விளை பக்திவழி

அனைவரும் சிரமமின்றிச் சென்றிட அமைந்ததே ஶ்ரீபதியே! 2.7

Meaning in English

Due to this only the great god like sages have chosen the path of devotion*,

Over the two paths called path of action** and path of realization based on enquiry***,

And have sung and praised it as the most suitable path,

And so oh God who is very dear to the Goddess Lakshmi,

This path based on the devotion based concept of your prettiness,

Is very easily available for use to all persons of this world. 2.7

*Bhakti yoga **Karma yoga ***Jnana Yoga

Meaning of the Sanskrit Words

एवम्भूततया हि = एवं + भूततया + हि – because of these + reality/truth + only ( it is be because of these reasons only)

भक्त्यभिहितः योगः सः = भक्ति + अभिहितः + योग: + सः – devotion + called as/known as+ yoga + that = that the yoga known as Bhakti (devotion), that

योगद्वयात् कर्मज्ञानमयात् – योगद्वयात् कर्म-ज्ञानमयात् – (in comparison to) the two yogas of Karma and Gyaana

भृशोत्तमतरः = भृशः च सः उत्तमतरः च = भृशोत्तमतरः = very much/indeed + that + is + superior = अत्युत्तमः – is indeed superior

योगीश्वरैः गीयते = योगीश्वरैः गीयते – so has been extolled by great sages

सौन्दर्यैकरसात्मके त्वयि खलु = सौन्दर्यम् + एकः + रस : + आत्मा = सौन्दर्यैक-रस-आत्मके त्वयि खलु = indeed in Thee, who are pure beauty incarnate

प्रेमप्रकर्षात्मिका भक्तिः = प्रेम्णः + प्रकर्षः + आत्मिका + भक्तिः – = love + intense + soul + devotion = devotion which emanates from intense love

नि:श्रमम् एव = no effort at all = effortlessly

विश्वपुरुषैः  = विश्वः च सः पुरुषः = by all human beings

लभ्या – is attainable

रमावल्लभ् = रमायाः वल्लभः = O Consort of Lakshmi!

Narayaneeyam – Dasakam 2 – Sloka 6 – A thing of beauty is a joy forever

Lord Krishna’s beauty is beyond the imagination, infact all beauty arises from him only. As his name Krishna means ‘all attractive’ – means his beauty enchants everyone. In front of the beauty of Krishna everything fades and pales . Even the beauty we find in the world is only a spark of the transcendental captivating beauty of Lord Krishna , then how beautiful He, the source of all beauty will be . No wonder, the devotees who visit Guruvayur and see Him are in a state of Bliss and experience horripilation, says Bhattathri in this Sloka.

Audio Link

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dcekyjy56erscfx/Verse%202.6.mp3?dl=0

Sanskrit Verse

एवम्भूतमनोज्ञतानवसुधानिष्यन्दसन्दोहनं
त्वद्रूपं परचिद्रसायनमयं चेतोहरं शृण्वताम्
सद्यः प्रेरयते मतिं मदयते रोमाञ्चयत्यङ्गकं
व्यासिञ्चत्यपि शीतबाष्पविसरैरानन्दमूर्च्छोद्भवैः ॥६॥

English Transliteration

evaM bhuuta manOj~nataa navasudhaa niShyanda sandOhanaM

tvadruupaM parachidrasaayanamayaM chetOharaM shR^iNvataam |

sadyaH perarayate matiM madayate rOmaa~nchayatyangakaM

vyaasi~nchatyapi shiitabaaShpa visarairaanandamuurChOdbhavaiH ||6

Tamil Transliteration

ஏவம் பூ₄தமநோஜ்ஞதாநவஸுதா₄நிஷ்யந்த₃ஸந்தோ₃ஹநம்

த்வத்₃ரூபம் பரசித்₃ரஸாயநமயம் சேதோஹரம் ஶ்ருண்வதாம் |

ஸத்₃ய: ப்ரேரயதே மதிம் மத₃யதே ரோமாஞ்சயத்யங்க₃கம்

வ்யாஸிஞ்சத்யபி ஶீதவாஷ்பவிஸரைராநந்த₃மூர்சோ₂த்₃ப₄வை: || 6||

Meaning in Tamil

அமுது சொரியும் அழகுமிகு பேரின்பப்

பரம்பொருளாம் உன்னெழில் வடிவம்

அடியார்தம் மனம் கவர்ந்து மகிழ்வித்து,

ஆனந்தப் பரவசமுடன் மயிர்கூச்செரிய,

விழிதனிலே நீர்மல்கிப் பெருவெள்ளமென

அவர்தம் அங்கமெல்லாம் நனைத்தனையே,

அச்சுதனே ஆண்டவனே குருவாயூரப்பா 2.6

Meaning in English

O Lord! Thy captivating form which continuously showers pure nectar, which is itself the Supreme Bliss-Consciousness holds the minds of those who hear Thy glories. Their minds are immediately stimulated and filled with joy. They experience horripilation all over their body and are bathed in the cool tears produced from ecstasy of joy.

Meaning of the Sanskrit Words

एवम्भूतमनोज्ञतानवसुधानिष्यन्दसन्दोहनम् = एवं + भूत + मनोज्ञता + नव + सुधा + निष्यन्द + सन्दोहनम् =That (Your)+form + beauty(loveliness) + fresh (pure) + nectar + streaming (constantly flowing) + bestowing

त्वद्रूपम् = त्वत् + रूपं = Your form

परचिद्रसायनमयम् = पर + चित् + रसायनमयं = supreme + consciousness + mixture (combination)

चेतोहरम् = captivating the heart

शृण्वताम् = of those who (devotedly) hear (the recitals of accounts of Thy deeds)

सद्य: प्रेरयते = instantly/immediately + raise/stimulate/excite

मतिम् मदयते =  mind + delights/rejoice/enjoy heavenly bliss = fills the mind with joy (अत्यन्तं तोषयति)

रोमाञ्चयति = thrills/goosebumps

अङ्गकम् = limbs/body = देहम्

व्यासिञ्चत्यपि = व्यासिञ्चति + अपि = bathes also (their bodies)

शीतबाष्पविसरैः = शीत + बाष् + विसरै: = cold + tears + copious quantity = with the flood of cool tears

आनन्दमूर्च्छोद्भवैः = आनन्द + मूर्च्छा + उद्भवै: = joy + excited/increased+ produced = produced from ecstasy of joy

Narayaneeyam – Daskam 2 – Sloka 5

Bhattathri continues his pun on Goddess Lakshmi by citing another reason for the “unstable” nature of Her when it comes to Her short stay at Her devotees’ place.

Audio Link

https://www.dropbox.com/s/j712bi2u5d01peu/Verse%202.5.mp3?dl=0

Sanskrit Verse

लक्ष्मीस्तावकरामणीयकहृतैवेयं परेष्वस्थिरेत्यस्मिन्नन्यदपि प्रमाणमधुना वक्ष्यामि लक्ष्मीपते ।

ये त्वद्ध्यानगुणानुकीर्तनरसासक्ता हि भक्ता जनास्तेष्वेषा वसति स्थिरैव दयितप्रस्तावदत्तादरा ॥५॥

English Transliteration

lakshmiistaavaka-raamaNiiyaka-hR^itaiveyaM pareShvasthiretyasminnanyadapi

pramaaNamadhunaa vakshyaami lakshmiipate |

ye tvaddhyaanaguNaanukiirtanarasaasaktaa hi bhaktaa janaasteShveShaa

vasati sthiraiva dayitaprastaavadattaadaraa ||

Tamil Transliteration

லக்ஷ்மீஸ்தாவகராமணீயகஹ்ருதைவேயம் பரேஷ்வஸ்தி₂ரே-

த்யஸ்மிந்நந்யத₃பி ப்ரமாணமது₄நா வக்ஷ்யாமி லக்ஷ்மீபதே |

யே த்வத்₃த்₄யாநகு₃ணாநுகீர்தநரஸாஸக்தா ஹி ப₄க்தா ஜநா-

ஸ்தேஷ்வேஷா வஸதி ஸ்தி₂ரைவ த₃யிதப்ரஸ்தாவத₃த்தாத₃ரா || 5||

Meaning in Tamil

உரைத்திடுவேன் இன்னுமொரு ஆதாரம்

உலகோரிடம் திருமகள் நிலையாததற்கு!

உன்னெழில் வயப்பட்டு எந்நேரமும் தன்

உயிர் நாதனின் நாமமுடன் புகழ் கேட்டு மகிழ,

உனை நாவார நாளும் பாடி துதித்து உருகிடும்

உன்னடியார் உள்ளம்தனில் உறுதியாக

உறைந்ததனாலன்றோ திருமகள்கொழுநனே !

Meaning in English

Oh Consort of Goddess Lakshmi, I will tell another reason to say,

That Goddess Lakshmi does not stay long with others,

That is because of her attractiveness to your pretty form,

For in the case of devotees of yours who are busy in meditating,

And singing about you, she is interested in hearing about,

The news of her darling and never leaves but stays with them. 2.5

Meaning of the Sanskrit Words

लक्ष्मीः – Oh Goddess Lakshmi

तावकरामणीयकहृता एव इयम् – तावक-रामणीयक हृता एव = your, beauty, fascinated/captivated, only, she = being thus captivated by Thy beauty only,

इयं परेषु अस्थिरा इति – she, is (committed to be in that position), unstable, in this manner/thus = परेषु अस्थिरा इति = she is unstable with others

अस्मिन् – in this respect

अन्यत् अपि प्रमाणम् – another proof also

अधुना – now/at present

वक्ष्यामि – I will state

लक्ष्मीपते – Oh consort of Goddess Lakshmi

ये त्वद्ध्यानगुणानुकीर्तनरसासक्ताः – ये त्वत्-ध्यान-गुण-अनुकीर्तन-रस-आस्क्ताः – those, your , meditate, virtue, singing, essence, devoted/strongly attached/engrossed = those who meditate and are always engrossed in singing Thy glory

हि भक्ताः जनाः – हि भक्ताः जनाः – = certainly (with) such devotees

तेषु एषा वसति स्थिरा एव – त= in those, she, stays, permanently/stable, always = with them she stays always

दयितप्रस्तावदत्तादरा – दयित–प्रस्ताव-दत्त-आदरा = beloved, (being), a song or hymn in praise, presented, respect/reverence/honour/praise = listening attentively to the praises of her beloved Lord

Narayaneeyam – Dasakam 2 – Slokam 4

Happy Deepavali.

We attribute success, wealth and prosperity to the presence of Goddess Lakshmi in our homes. She represents riches that every individual wishes to attain in his/her materialistic life. She is the epitome of opulence and her existence helps us achieve glorious heights. However, it isn’t easy to retain her. It is often said that Goddess Lakshmi does not stay in a family beyond three generations (max). Bhattathri quotes this characteristics of Goddess Lakshmi as a pun in this and the next Sloka to drive home the point that as a consort Goddess Lakshmi is more focussed on Lord Vishnu whose avatar is Lord Krishna of Guruvayur.

Audio Link

https://www.dropbox.com/s/v6slnrbyr1yqh84/Verse%202.4.mp3?dl=0

Sanskrit Verse

तत्तादृङ्मधुरात्मकं तव वपुः सम्प्राप्य सम्पन्मयी

सा देवी परमोत्सुका चिरतरं नास्ते स्वभक्तेष्वपि

तेनास्या बत कष्टमच्युत विभो त्वद्रूपमानोज्ञक

प्रेमस्थैर्यमयादचापलबलाच्चापल्यवार्तोदभूत् ॥४॥

English Transliteration

tattaadR^i~N madhuraatmakaM tava vapuH sampraapya sampanmayii

saa devii paramOtsukaa chirataraM naaste svabhakteShvapi |

tenaasyaa bata kaShTamachyuta vibhO tvadruupamaanOj~nakapremasthairyamayaadachaapala

balaat chaapalya vaartOdabhuut.

Tamil Transliteration

தத்தாத்₃ருங்மது₄ராத்மகம் தவ வபு: ஸம்ப்ராப்ய ஸம்பந்மயீ

ஸா தே₃வீ பரமோத்ஸுகா சிரதரம் நாஸ்தே ஸ்வப₄க்தேஷ்வபி |

தேநாஸ்யா ப₃த கஷ்டமச்யுத விபோ₄ த்வத்₃ரூபமாநோஜ்ஞக –

ப்ரேமஸ்தை₂ர்யமயாத₃சாபலப₃லாச்சாபல்யவார்தோத₃பூ₄த் || 4||

Meaning in Tamil

ஈடிலா எழில்மிகு உன்னுடன் இணைந்து ,

அளவிலாப்பற்று உன்மீது அடைந்ததனால் திருமகள்,

இச்சை களைந்தனளே அடியார் இல்லம்தனில் நிலைத்திட !

அழிவிலா உன் வடிவினில், நிலையான, திடமான

ஆழ் பற்றுடை அச்செயலால், நிலையற்றோள் எனும் பெயர்

அடைந்தனளே அடியாரிடம் அன்னையவள்

அவமன்றோ அப்பெயர் அவளுக்கு

அடுக்கிடுமோ இது திருமகள்கொழுநனே ! 2.4

Meaning in English

After getting and reaching your wonderful and greatly joyous form, that goddess who controls wealth, has become more attached to you. And because of this even after reaching the homes of her great devotees, She does not prefer to stay there. Oh Lord, Oh changeless one, due to the deep, strong and stable love towards your very pretty form, She has got a very bad name as the unstable one. Is it not uncharitable? 2.4

Meaning of the Sanskrit Words

तत्तादृङ्मधुरात्मकम् – तत्-तादृक्-मधुर-आत्मकम् = (of) that such incomparable beauty
तव वपुः – Your form /figure
सम्प्राप्य – having arrived (married)
सम्पन्मयी – endowed with (prosperity and auspiciousness)
सा देवी – that Devi (Lakshmi)
परमोत्सुका – परम-उत्सुका = (who) became very much attached (to Thee)
चिरतरम् – for a very long time
न आस्ते – doesn’t dwell/stay
स्वभक्तेषु अपि – स्व भक्तेषु अपि – her own, devotees, even (even with her own devotees)
तेन अस्याः – so/because,
बत कष्टम् – alas, difficult
अच्युत – imperishable
विभो – Lord
त्वद्रूपमानोज्ञकप्रेमस्थैर्यमयात् = त्वत्-रूप-मानोज्ञक-प्रेम-स्थैर्यमयात् = Your, form, beauty, love, unwavering/ stable = because of the unwavering love for the enchanting beauty of Your form
अचापलबलात् = अचापल-बलात् = firm/unwavering, power
because of the power of (her) firm (love for Thee)
चापल्यवार्ता = चापल्य-वार्ता = as fickle (goddess), News/the reputation
उदभूत् – has risen

Narayaneeyam – Daskam 2 – Sloka 2

Preamble:

When I was trying to understand this Sloka, I was reminded of the introduction that Dr S. Radhakrishnan provided to his commentary on Bhagwad Gita.

“dvaitam mohAya bodhAt prAk. prApte bodhe manIshayA pUjArtham kalpitam dvaitam advaitAdapi sundaram”

“Before the rise of knowledge, duality is misleading but when our understanding is enlightened, we perceive that duality is more beautiful than even non-duality and is conceived so that there might be worship”.

Narayana Bhattathri, an enlightened soul “looked at the Eternal one not so much as the God of philosophical speculation but as the God of Grace such as the heart and the soul need and seek; a God who inspires personal trust, love, reverence and loyal self-surrender”. No wonder he comes out with this poetic description of the Lord’s beauty. Let us enjoy his description.

Audio Link

https://www.dropbox.com/s/hlnmdt915pmpq9l/Verse%202.2.mp3?dl=0

Sanskrit Verse

केयूराङ्गदकङ्कणोत्तममहारत्नाङ्गुलीयाङ्कित

श्रीमद्बाहुचतुष्कसङ्गतगदाशङ्खारिपङ्केरुहाम्

काञ्चित् काञ्चनकाञ्चिलाञ्च्छितलसत्पीताम्बरालम्बिनीम्

आलम्बे विमलाम्बुजद्युतिपदां मूर्तिं तवार्तिच्छिदम् ॥२॥

English Transliteration

keyuuraangada kankaNOttama mahaaratnaanguliiyaankitashriimadbaahu

chatuShka sangata gadaa shankhaari pankeruhaam |

kaa~nchit kaa~nchana kaa~nchilaanChita lasatpiitaambaraalambiniim

aalambe vimalaambujadyutipadaaM muurtiM tavaartichChidam

Transliteration in Tamil

கேயூராங்க₃த₃கங்கணோத்தமமஹாரத்நாங்கு₃லீயாங்கித-

ஶ்ரீமத்₃பா₃ஹுசதுஷ்கஸங்க₃தக₃தா₃ஶங்கா₂ரிபங்கேருஹாம் |

காஞ்சித் காஞ்சநகாஞ்சிலாஞ்ச்சி₂தலஸத்பீதாம்ப₃ராலம்பி₃நீ-

மாலம்பே₃ விமலாம்பு₃ஜத்₃யுதிபதா₃ம் மூர்திம் தவார்திச்சி₂த₃ம் || 2||

Meaning in Tamil

கடயம் கங்கணம், விரலதனில் அரிய ரத்தின மோதிரம்

கதாயுதம், சங்கு சக்கரம், தாமரை ஏந்தும் நான்திருக்கரம்

ஒளிமிகு மஞ்சள் பட்டாடை பொன் மேகலை அலங்காரம்

எழில்மிகு தூய கமலஉடல் தாங்குமிரு மென்மலர் பாதம்

அடியார் அல்லல் அறுத்தாட்கொளும் வரையறு இயலா உன்

வடிவம்தனை தஞ்சமென சரணடைந்தேன் குருவாயூரப்பனே 2.2

Meaning in English

I take refuge in Your form with ornaments such as) Keyur (epaulets) Angada (armlets) Kankana (bracelets)and finger rings, studded with gems adorning the sacred four arms, holding the mace, the conch, the discus and the lotus, wearing a yellow resplendent silk cloth, fastened by a golden waist band with pure lotuses like lustrous feet. Oh Lord I take refuge in Your indescribable form that removes the woes of the devotees.

Meaning of the Sanskrit Words

• केयूराङ्गद- – keyur + angada – shoulder guard, armlet – தோளணி, கடயம்

• कङ्कणोत्तम- bracelet – காப்பு, கங்கணம்

• केयूराङ्गद-कङ्कणोत्तम-महारत्न-आङ्गुलीय-अङ्कित- = (ornaments such as) Keyur (epaulets) Angada (armlets) Kankana (bracelets)and finger rings, studded with gems

• महारत्नाङ्गुलीयाङ्कित-(महारत्न-आङ्गुलीय-अङ्कित) – precious jewel அரிய ரத்தினம், finger ring, மோதிரம், studded/marked பொருந்திய

• श्रीमद्- wealthy, வளமிகு

• बाहु- forearm – முன்கை

• चतुष्क- set of 4

• सङ्गत— integrated/united –

• गदा- mace – தண்டாயதம்

• शङ्खारि- (शङ्ख-अरि) – conch, discuss – சங்கு, சக்கரம்

• पङ्केरुहां – lotus – தாமரை

• श्रीमद्बाहु-चतुष्कसङ्गत-गदा-शङ्ख-अरि-पङ्केरुहाम् = adorning the sacred four arms, holding the mace, the conch, the discus and the lotus

• काञ्चन- golden – பொன் – தங்கம்

• काञ्चि- girdle – மேகலை

• लाञ्च्छित- decorated – அலங்கரி, ஒப்பனை

• लसत्- glitter/shining – ஒளிமிகு

• पीताम्बरालम्बिनीं – (पीताम्बर-आलम्बिनीम्) – yellow clothes, wearing – மஞ்சள் நிற ஆடை அணி

• काञ्चन-काञ्चि-लाञ्च्छित-लसत्-पीताम्बर-आलम्बिनीम्- = wearing a yellow resplendent silk cloth, fastened by a golden waist band

• विमलाम्बुज- (विमल-अम्बुज) pure lotus, தூய தாமரை

• द्युति- lustrous, splendour, ஒளிமிகு,

• पदाम् – feet – பாதங்கள்

• आर्तिच्छिदं – आर्ति. छिदम् – grief, cut, which removes the woes (of devotees) – அல்லல், அறு

• काञ्चित् – indescribable – வரையறுக்க இயலா

• तव – Your – உன்

• मूर्तिम् – Form – வடிவம்

• (अहम्) – I – யான்

• आलम्बे – take refuge – சரண் அடைந்தேன்

Narayaneeyam – Dasakam 2 – Sloka 1 – எழில் வடிவமும் இறை அன்பும்

Preamble

Non-duality that is the central core of Advaita philosophy identifies the Supreme Self (that transcends everything) with the innermost Self (that is immanent in every being). If God or the Supreme Reality does not have a separate status other than our Selves, then who is to worship whom? Hence the concept of Bhakti, or Devotion, seems to contradict the Oneness inherent in Advaita. This apparent conflict is easily resolved by Sriman Narayaneeyam. Bhattattiri’s conception of Bhakti emphasizes the nirguNa aspect of the Ultimate in no uncertain terms, even while he expatiates on the worship of the visible form.

That the Ultimate is non-dual there is no question. But to be able to realise it as a fact of experience one has to go through the processes of Bhakti of God with form and content, with name and description, with qualities and adjuncts. Such a God is known by the technical name of saguNa brahman, in contrast to the nirguNa brahman which is the formless and nameless Absolute.

Bhattathri clearly brings out through his spiritual experience that The Absolute Being is not manifest to the senses or the intellect and is difficult to grasp or attain to. But when it is manifest as Guruvayur Krishna it is like the wavy surface of the Ocean of Blissful spirit, definite, clear and easy to grasp. Therefore one resorts to the worship of the Krishna form that is lovable and most captivating by its sweet beauty and other blessed attributes. Slokas in Dasakam 2 depict that beauty. Let us study them.

Audio Link

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wwseyrmva9uujk9/Verse%202.1.mp3?dl=0

Sanskrit Verse

सूर्यस्पर्धिकिरीटमूर्ध्वतिलकप्रोद्भासिफालान्तरं

कारुण्याकुलनेत्रमार्द्रहसितोल्लासं सुनासापुटम्

गण्डोद्यन्मकराभकुण्डलयुगं कण्ठोज्ज्वलत्कौस्तुभं

त्वद्रूपं वनमाल्यहारपटलश्रीवत्सदीप्रं भजे ॥२.१॥

सूर्य-स्पर्धि-किरीटम् ऊर्ध्वतिलक-प्रोद्भासि-फालान्तरम्

कारुण्य-आकुलनेत्रम् आर्द्र-हसित-उल्लासम् सुनासापुटम्

गण्डोद्यन्-मकर-आभ-कुण्डल-युगम् कण्ठोज्ज्वलत्-कौस्तुभम्

त्वत्-रूपम् वनमाल्य-हार-पटल-श्रीवत्सदीप्रम् भजे

Transliteration in English

suuryaspardhikiriiTamuurdhvatilaka prOdbhaasiphaalaantaraM

kaaruNyaakulanetramaardra hasitOllaasaM sunaasaapuTam |

gaNDOdyanmakaraabha kuNDalayugaM kaNThOjvalatkaustubhaM

tvadruupaM vanamaalyahaarapaTala shriivatsadiipraM bhaje ||1

Transliteration in Tamil

ஸூர்யஸ்பர்தி₄கிரீடமூர்த்₄வதிலகப்ரோத்₃பா₄ஸிபா₂லாந்தரம்

காருண்யாகுலநேத்ரமார்த்₃ரஹஸிதோல்லாஸம் ஸுநாஸாபுடம்|

க₃ண்டோ₃த்₃யந்மகராப₄குண்ட₃லயுக₃ம் கண்டோ₂ஜ்வலத்கௌஸ்துப₄ம்

த்வத்₃ரூபம் வநமால்யஹாரபடலஶ்ரீவத்ஸதீ₃ப்ரம் ப₄ஜே|| 1||

Meaning in Tamil

பரிதி இணை ஒளிர்மிகு மணிமகுடம்

நுதலதனில் ஒளிகூட்டும் சந்தன நேர் திலகம்

கருணை பொழி இருவிழியுடன் எழில்வடிவு நாசி

இருசெவியணி மகரகுண்டல எதிரொளிக்கும் கண்ணம்

கௌஸ்துப மாலை அணி நீள் கண்டம்

துளசி மாலைதரி ஒளிமிகு ஶ்ரீவத்ஸம் பதி மார்பகம்

புன்முறுவல் பூத்த திருமுகமுடை உன் இவ் வடிவம்

போற்றிப் பணிந்திடுவேனே யான் அனுதினம் 2.1

Meaning in English

I meditate upon this form of You, adorned with a crown which rivals the sun in its brilliance, whose forehead is made more resplendent by the upright mark (tilak of sandal paste), whose eyes are brimming with mercy, with a shapely nose, with shining cheeks reflecting the brilliance of a pair of fish shaped ear pendants, with the Kaustubh jewel shining on the neck, and bosom resplendent with garlands of flowers (and tulsi) necklaces ( of pearls and gems) and the mark of Srivatsa.

Meaning of the Sanskrit Words

• सूर्य-स्पर्धि-किरीटम्- with a crown which rivals the Sun (in brilliance)

• ऊर्ध्वतिलक-प्रोद्भासि-फालान्तरम् by the upright mark (tilak of sandal paste) whose forehead is made more resplendent,

• कारुण्य-आकुलनेत्रम्- whose eyes are brimming with mercy

• आर्द्र-हसित-उल्लासम् (whose face) is lit up with a benevolent smile புன்முறுவல் பூத்த திருமுகம்

• सुनासापुटम् with a shapely nose

• गण्डोद्यन्-मकर-आभ-कुण्डल-युगम् with cheeks shining due to the brilliance of a pair of fish shaped ear pendants –

• कण्ठोज्ज्वलत्-कौस्तुभम् with the Kaustubh jewel shining on the neck

• त्वत्-रूपम् Thy form

• वनमाल्य-हार-पटल-श्रीवत्सदीप्रम् (and Thy bosom) resplendent with garlands of flowers (and tulsi) necklaces ( of pearls and gems) and the mark of Srivatsa

• भजे I meditate upon

Narayaneeyam – Dasakam 2 – Introduction

Pencil Sketch at the site – Belur Halebidu by my daughter some 25 years ago

The greatness of The Supreme Reality – The Brahma Tatwa, which is dense concentrated Bliss, which is of the nature of the Pure Consciousness, which is without parallel or comparison, and is totally free of time and space limitations, and is always free of Maya is brought out in Daskam 1. That Brahma Tatwa which is not easy to grasp in the beginning, but the realisation of which, is the highest purusharth (i.e. liberation), that very Reality shines right in front in concrete form in the Guruvaayur temple as Lord Krishna.

Through this first Daskam, the transcendent and immanent (Nirguna and Saguna) nature of the Brahman is brought out. Here is a recap of Dasakam 1.

The reality of the Brahman is not a question to be solved by dialectic which the vast majority of the human race will be unable to understand. Dialectic in itself and without reference to personal experience cannot give us conviction. Only spiritual experiences can provide us with proof.

Narayana Bhattathri has brought out his spiritual experience at the Guruvayur Temple for the benefit of ordinary humans like us. Let us try and understand through the Slokas.

In Dasakam 2, the sweetness of the form and the devotion to that form have been brought out clearly.

Each blog will cover the Sloka, transliterations in English and Tamil, the meaning of the Sanskrit words and the meaning of the Sloka in English and Tamil.

The first Sloka of Dasakam 2 will be on next Friday, 24th September.

An important message here: Except for the translation in Tamil which is an expression of my limited and little understanding of the Sloka, everything else is what is available in the public domain.