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Wednesday, April 2, 2025

BASICS OF ADVAITHAM, DWAITHAM AND VISISHTATHVAIDAM


THREE MAJOR PHILOSOPHIES OF HINDUISM

 
ADHI SANKARA             RAMANUJA           MADHWACHARYA

Hi Viewer,

This blog is dediated to those, who wish to understand the differences behind the three major categories of Hindu philosophies, namely, (1) Advaitham, (2) Dvaitham and (3) Visishtadvaitham.  

Though all three of them agree on the basic concepts of existence of Brahman on the one hand and Jiva, on the other, there are subtle differences in their views on how Jiva is connected with Brahman, during and after the life time.

Let us now proceed to understand each one of them first:

                 (1) Advaitham (Non-Dualism) by Adi Sankara

Advaitham, articulated by Adi Shankaracharya, focuses on the non-dual essence of existence. Advaita is a major school of Vedanta, a philosophical tradition based on the Upanishads. Core principles include:

1. Brahman: The ultimate unchanging reality, omnipresent and infinite, without any form or attributes. Lord Shiva is considered as the Supreme Brahman, who further manifests as Sadashiva, Rudra, Vishnu and Brahma, thus taking care of the pancha-krithyam, Revealing (Liberating), Veiling(Maya), Destruction (Rudra), Preservation (Vishnu) and Ceation (Brahma) respectively. Goddess Lalitha is considered as the Mother Supreme. Example of revelation is the mistaken silver lining on a sea-shell, which when approached near, proves to be false. When we reach Brahman, it starts revealing itself. 

2. Atman or Jiva: The individual soul, which is fundamentally the same as Brahman but which appears separate from Brahman due to illusion.

3. Maya: The deceptive force that leads to the illusion of separation between Atman and Brahman. The usual example is that of a rope, which is mistaken as a snake while in darkness.

4. Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of rebirth, attained by realizing the inherent non-duality of existence.

According to advaita siddhAnta, the jIva is identical to Ishvara in substance and essence. The jagat is a changing and mesmerizing manifestation of Ishvara that binds the jIva in its limited existence. The analogy is of the air inside an earthen pot. As long as the pot exists, the air inside it appears separated. But as soon as the pot breaks, the true nature of the air as a continuum is evident, and there is no more separation.

In the case of the jIva which is a pure consciousness, the layers of the gross body, with its 5 internal layers (vital breath or nervous system, etc.), and the various modes of the mind all come together to cause an apparent isolation. Hence each jIva considers itself separate and autonomous from other jIvas. Once it realizes its true nature as pure consciousness, it is no longer a limited, isolated entity but rather a cosmic reality. Or at the very least, the notion of association with temporary identities should be gone.

(2) Visishtadvaitham (Qualified Non-Dualism)

Visishtadvaitham, developed by Ramanujacharya, also recognizes a non-dual reality, but with certain qualifications. Its key ideas are:

1. Brahman: The ultimate reality characterized by attributes and forms. Lord Vishnu is considered as the Supreme Brahman.

2. Atman or Jiva: The individual soul, which is a part of Brahman but maintains its distinct individuality.

3. Prakriti: The material world, which is real yet contingent upon Brahman.

4. Moksha: Liberation from rebirth, achieved through devotion, worship, and understanding one's relationship with Brahman.

Qualified non-dualism (vishiShTAdvaita) is a bit complicated. The three eternal entities IshvarajIva and jagat are not completely different, but with caveats. There are 4 key terms used to describe their relationship that is unique to vishiShTAdvaita siddhAnta:

  • amsha — amshin : part — whole: The jIvas and jagat are incomplete parts, and Ishvara is the one that brings them together as an integral whole.
  • sheSha — sheShin : remnant — original: This is somewhat similar to the first relationship.
  • sharIra — sharIrin : body — owner of body: The jIvas and jagat form the body of Ishvara, who is the owner.
  • antaryAmya — antaryAmin : controlled from within — inner controller: The jIvasand jagat being the body, Ishvara is the Atman controlling them.

The last two of these relationships do find support in the Upanishads, for example in the antaryAmi brAhmaNam of Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 3.7

Of course, as is well-known, this system also fortified the concept of complete spiritual surrender to the highest deity, called sharaNAgati or prapatti. This idea does not really find support in the Vedas and Upanishads, where the individual is really considered to be of the same substance as the deity, and it is only a matter of 'realizing' that. However, scholars do quote the verse from Katha and Mundaka Upanishad in support of the surrender idea:

“नायमात्मा प्रवचनेन लभ्यो न मेधया न बहुना श्रुतेन।

यमेवैष वृणुते तेन लभ्यस्तस्यैष आत्मा विवृणुते तनूं स्वाम् ॥”

“This Atman is not achieved by listening to lectures, nor by intellectual activity, nor by too much Vedic learning. Only he who is selected by the Atman can achieve it, as the Atmanreveals himself.”

This “selection by Atman” is interpreted as evidence that if an individual completely surrenders himself to the deity, then the deity has no choice but to select and approve the individual for mokSha (liberation). The deity in this system is Vishnu or Narayana.

The Bhagavad Gita clearly has Arjuna surrendering his intellect to Krishna for guidance — as he says in the very beginning: “shiShyaste ahamshAdhi mAm tvAm prapannam.” This is a new idea that is not clearly present in the Vedas or Upanishads. Although Arjuna’s surrender was only circumstantial, this may have been a strong source of inspiration for the prapatticoncept.

The vishiShTAdvaita siddhAnta also delineates the modes of mokSha (liberation):

  • sAlokyam: “same-world-ness” — the quality of being in the same world as the deity, in this case, Vishnu’s vaikuNTha. This can be considered to be the lowest grade.
  • sAmIpyam: “proximity” — the quality of being close to the deity. Second grade.
  • sArUpyam: “same form” — the quality of having the same form (I guess spiritual form?) as the deity. Third grade.
  • sAyujyam: “union” — the quality of being completely joined with the deity. Highest grade. Note that this still does not imply elimination of the individuality of the soul, because if the experience of union must happen then the soul must still retain some separateness.

Or maybe there are no gradations in the mokSha. In any case, the liberated soul still experiences its individual existence.


Key Differences between Advaitham and Visishtadvaitham


1. Nature of Brahman: In Advaitham, Brahman (Lord Shiva) is formless and devoid of attributes, whereas Visishtadvaitham affirms that Brahman (Lord Vishnu)  has qualities and forms.

2. Jivatma-Brahman Relationship: Advaitham posits that Jiva and Brahman are identical and that jiva ultimately merges with Brahman, while Visishtadvaitham views Jiva as a part of Brahman but with preserved individuality without totally merging - Jeeva is stand-alone.

3. Role of Maya: Advaitham sees Maya as an illusion causing separation, while Visishtadvaitham treats Prakriti (equivalent of Maya) as a real yet dependent manifestation of Brahman and hence Prakruti is not an illusion but a real existence. 

Māyā is the empirical reality that entangles consciousness. Māyā has the power to create a bondage to the empirical world, preventing the unveiling of the true, unitary Self – the Cosmic Spirit also known as Brahman. The theory of māyā was developed by the ninth-century Advaita Hindu philosopher Adi Shankara.

4. Path to Moksha: Advaitham emphasizes self-knowledge as the path, while Visishtadvaitham promotes devotion and worship as essential for liberation.

These distinctions highlight profound differences in perceiving reality, the self, and the ultimate objectives of human life.


(3) Dvaitam (Dualism)

Dvaitam, (also known as 'Tattvavada'), is another significant school of Vedanta founded by Madhvacharya (1238-1317 CE). The term "Dvaitam" translates to "dualism" or "twoness." Here’s a succinct examination of its central principles:

1. Brahman: The supreme reality, identified as Vishnu, the ultimate deity. He is the creator, perserver and destoryer.

2. Jiva: The individual self, distinctly separate from Brahman.

3. Prakriti: The material universe, which exists independently of Brahman.

Dvaitam argues that the universe consists of two fundamental realities: Brahman and Jiva, which are unique and separate entities.

Madhvacharya articulated five essential distinctions (Pancha Bheda) among Brahman, Jiva, and Prakriti:

    1. Brahman and Jiva are inherently different.

    2. Jiva and Prakriti differ significantly.

    3. Brahman and Prakriti are distinct.

    4. Individual Jivas are unique from one another.

    5. Objects within Prakriti are inherently distinct.

Liberation is achieved through devoation to Vishnu and understading the nature of Jiva.

Dualism (dvaitam) is of course quite clear. The three eternal entities that co-exist forever are Ishvara (the Supreme Soul paramAtman who in this case is strictly Vishnu), jIva (the individual souls) and jagat (the material universe or mAyA).

Although these three are eternal, Ishvara is called svatantra (independent) and both jIvaand jagat are called paratantra (dependent on the para, i.e. higher one, Ishvara). However, there is no ultimate similarity between any two of them, nor between any two individual souls (jIvas). So the goal of spiritual practice or worship according to dvaita siddhAnta is to reach one’s own highest potential. My highest achievement may not be the same as your highest achievement, but apparently there is no one standard. Since there is no common standard, there is no common salvation for all souls. Some of them are eternally damned to non-stop cycle of rebirth, as well as “lower” births. Such souls cannot attain mokSha or liberation because that is their individual inherent capacity.

It is quite hard to find direct and explicit support for this doctrine in Vedas & Upanishads. The only similarity between advaita anddvaita philosophies is the concept of Bhakti which is considered essential for liberation.

ISKCON, also known as the Hare Krishna movement, is primarily rooted in the teachings of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, which aligns more closely with the principles of Dvaita.

Conclusion


The Bhagavad Gita encompasses both Advaita and Dvaita philosophical perspectives, with interpretations varying among different schools of thought, but it primarily leans towards the principles of Advaita Vedanta.

Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk from India. His teachings and philosophy are a reinterpretation and synthesis of various strands of Hindu thought, most notably classical yoga and Advaita Vedanta.

Advaita emphasizes the non-dualistic nature of reality, where everything is ultimately Brahman. Dvaita emphasizes the dualistic nature of reality, where God, souls, and the world are distinct and eternal. 

Neither Advaita nor Dvaita is inherently "correct" or "incorrect" as they represent distinct philosophical perspectives within Hinduism, each offering a different understanding of reality and the relationship between the individual self and the divine. Dvaitam serves as the foundation upon which the edifice of Advaitam is constructed. To reach the state of oneness, we must first acknowledge the duality and separateness.
It is the transition from Dvaitam to Advaitam that completes the spiritual journey. By starting in Dvaitam, we cultivate humility, dedication, and detachment from worldly desires. These qualities, in turn, prepare us for the profound realization of Advaitam – the union of the individual self with the divine. In the end, the path to spiritual enlightenment is a continuum, with Dvaitam and Advaitam as its two integral halves, guiding seekers towards a harmonious existence in the realm of the divine.


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Monday, November 4, 2024

SRI SUBRAHMANYA ASHTAKAM / KARAVALAMBA STOTHRAM



Lord Subramanya

Hi viewer, Welcome to my blog.

Sree Subramanya Asthakam, also known as Subramanya Karavalambam, is an octet dedicated to Lord Muruga (Karthikeya), composed by Sri Adi Sankara. "Karavalambam" means - to lend a helping hand. Sri Sankara pleads with Lord Subramanya to lend a helping hand to those in trouble.

It explains the divine attributes of Lord Subrahmanya and is recited to get rid of past sins, doshas, and for general well being. Subrahmanya Karavalamba Stotram has 8 stanzas each ending with “Vallisa Nadha Mama Dehi Karavalambam” asking Valli's Easa natha (Vall's husband) to extend his supportive hand to the reciter. 

Before we proceed, hear this lovely song "Subramanyena Rakshithikam" - may Lord Subramanya Protect us always:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqTHz0lZvl4

Let us now understand the lyrics and meanings of these eight verses.

SRI SUBRAHMANYA ASHTAKAM / KARAVALAMBA STOTHRAM

Sri Shanmugar, Trichendur

You can listen to the recitation of Karavalamba stothrm by Soolamangalam Sisters in the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJETgCEf-OU&t=60s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGw9Lr7Kh4c

Verse 1

स्वामिनाथ! करुणाकर दीनबन्धो,
श्रीपार्वतीशमुखपङ्कजपद्मबन्धो ।
श्रीशादिदेवगणपूजितपादपद्म,
वल्लीशनाथ मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥ १॥

Hey Swaminatha karunakara deena bandho,
Sree Parvatheesa mukha pankaja padma bandho,
Sreesadhi deva gana poojitha pada padma,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham. 

ஹே ஸ்வாமினாத கருணாகர தீனபந்தோ
ஶ்ரீபார்வதீஶ முக பங்கஜ பத்ம பந்தோ ।
ஶ்ரீஶாதி தேவ கண பூஜித பாதபத்ம
வல்லீஶ நாத மம தேஹி கராவலம்பம் ॥ 1 ॥

Oh, Lord Subramanya! You are the chieftain of all the Gods. You are the compassionate and mercyful one. You are the godfather of the poor and the oppressed people. You are the son of the lotus faced Goddess Parvathi and Lord Shiva. Your lotus feet are always worshipped by the Devas, the Deva Ganas and by Goddess Mahalakshmi. You are the consort of Goddess Valli. Please lend me a helping hand and lift me out of my troubles.

Verse 2

देवाधिदेवसुत देवगणाधिनाथ,
देवेन्द्रवन्द्यमृदुपङ्कजमञ्जुपाद ।
देवर्षिनारदमुनीन्द्रसुगीतकीर्ते,
वल्लीशनाथ मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥ २॥

Devadhi deva sutha deva ganadhi nadha,
Devendra vandhya mrudu pankaja manju pada,
Devarshi narada muneendra sugeetha keerthe,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham. 

தேவாதி தேவ சுத தேவ கணாதி நாத,
தேவேம்த்ர வந்த்ய ம்றுது பங்கஜ மஞ்சு பாத |
தேவர்ஷி நாரத முனீம்த்ர ஸுகீத கீர்தே,
வல்லீஸ நாத மம தேஹி கராவலம்பம் || 2 ||

Oh, Lord Subramanya! You are the son of Lord Shiva, who is the Chief of all Gods. You are the chief of all the Deva Ganas (Army of Devas). Your soft lotus feet are worshipped by Devendra, the head of Devas. You are praised and sung by saints like Narada and others.  You are the consort of Goddess Valli. Please lend me a helping hand and lift me out of my troubles.

Verse 3

नित्यान्नदाननिरताखिलरोगहारिन्,
भाग्यप्रदानपरिपूरितभक्तकाम ।
शृत्यागमप्रणववाच्यनिजस्वरूप,
वल्लीशनाथ मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥ ३॥

Nithyanna Dana nirathakhila roga harin,
Bhagya pradhana paripooritha bhaktha Kama,
Sruthyagama pranava vachya nija swaroopa,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham. 

நித்யான்னதான நிரதாகில ரோக ஹாரின்,
பாக்கிய பிரதான பரிபூரித பக்த காம |
ஶ்றுத்யாகம ப்ரணவ வாச்ய நிஜ ஸ்வரூப,
வல்லீஸ நாத மம தேஹி கராவலம்பம் || 3 ||

Oh, Lord Subramanya! You grant food daily to all mortals and dispel their sufferings from diseases. You are the bestower of wealth and you fulfill the wishes of your devotees. You are the personification of Pranava mantram, as found in Vedas and Agamas. You are the consort of Goddess Valli. Please lend me a helping hand and lift me out of my troubles.

Verse 4

क्रौञ्चासुरेन्द्रपरिखण्डन शक्तिशूल-,
चापादिशस्त्रपरिमण्डितदिव्यपाणे ।
श्रीकुण्डलीशधरतुण्डशिखीन्द्रवाहधृततुण्ड,
वल्लीशनाथ मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥ ४॥

Krouncha surendra parigandana Sakthi soola,
Chapa thi sasthra parimanditha divya panai,
Sree kundaleesa drutha thunda sikheendra vaha,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham. 

க்ரௌம்சா ஸுரேம்த்ர பரிகம்டன ஶக்தி ஶூல,
சாபாதிஸ்த்ர பரிமம்டித திவ்ய பாணே |
ஶ்ரீ குண்டலீச தர துண்ட ஶிகீம்த்ர வாஹ,
வல்லீஸ நாத மம தேஹி கராவலம்பம் || 4 ||

Oh, Lord Subramanya! You, as the Lord of the Devas, destroyed the Krauncha mountain with your spear (Vel) given to you by Sakthi. You hold weapons like goad (Pasam), soolam, Vel, Bow etc in your hands. You wear the best Ear ring and ride on the fast moving peacock as your vehicle. You are the consort of Goddess Valli. Please lend me a helping hand and lift me out of my troubles.

Verse 5

देवाधिदेवरथमण्डलमध्यवेऽद्य,
देवेन्द्रपीठनकरं दृढचापहस्तम् ।
शूरं निहत्य सुरकोटिभिरीड्यमान,
वल्लीशनाथ मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥ ५॥

Devadhi deva radha mandala Madhya vetdhya,
Devendra peeda nagaram druda chapa hastha,
Sooram nihathya sura kotibhiradyamana,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham. 

தேவாதிதேவ ரதமம்டல மத்ய வேத்ய,
தேவேம்த்ர பீடனகரம் த்றுடசாபஹஸ்தம் |
ஶூரம் னிஹத்ய ஸுரகோடி பிரீட்யமான,
வல்லீஸனாத மம தேஹி கராவலம்பம் || 5 ||

Oh, Lord Subramanya! You are the Lord of all the Devas. You ride in the central chariot of many chariots in your army. You protected Devendra from all his difficulties. You are capable of sending arrows very fast. By killing the Asura, Sura Padman, you won the hearts of crores of devas. You are the consort of Goddess Valli. Please lend me a helping hand and lift me out of my troubles.

Verse 6

हारादिरत्नमणियुक्तकिरीटहार,
केयूरकुण्डललसत्कवचाभिरामम् ।
हे वीर तारकजयामरवृन्दवन्द्य,
वल्लीशनाथ मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥ ६॥

Heeradhi rathna vara yuktha kireeda hara,
Keyura kundala lasath kavachabhirama,
Hey Veera tharaka jayaa amara brunda vandhya,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham. 

ஹாராதி ரத்ன மணியுக்த கிரீட ஹார,
கேயூர கும்டல லஸத்க வசாபிராம |
ஹே வீர தாரக ஜயாமர ப்றும்தவம்த்ய,
வல்லீஸனாத மம தேஹி கராவலம்பம் || 6 ||

Oh, Lord Subramanya! You are adorned with crowns and garlands made of diamonds and other precious gems. You also wear bracelets, ear rings and body kavacham made of precious gems. You are praised  and worshipped by Devas for your valour in defeating the demon Tharakasura. You are the consort of Goddess Valli. Please lend me a helping hand and lift me out of my troubles.

Verse 7

पञ्चाक्षरादिमनुमन्त्रितगाङ्गतोयैः,
पञ्चामृतैः प्रमुदितेन्द्रमुखैर्मुनीन्द्रैः ।
पट्टाभिषिक्तहरियुक्त परासनाथ,
वल्लीशनाथ मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥ ७॥

Panchaksharadhi manu manthritha Ganga thoyai,
Panchamruthai praudhithendra mukhair muneendryai,
Pattabhishiktha maghavatha nayasa nadha,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham. 

பஞ்சாக்ஷராதி  மனு மன்த்ரித காங்க தோயைஃ,
பம்சாம்றுதைஃ ப்ரமுதிதேம்த்ர முகை ர்முனீம்த்ரைஃ |
பட்டாபிஷிக்த ஹரியுக்த பராஸனாத,
வல்லீஸனாத மம தேஹி கராவலம்பம் || 7 ||

Oh, Lord Subramanya! You are worshipped by reciting panchakshara manthiram, while performing abhishekam with holy Ganga water. You are also worshiped with Panchamritha abhishekam by the sages who recite the holy chantings. You are crowned as the chief by Devendra. You are the consort of Goddess Valli. Please lend me a helping hand and lift me out of my troubles.

Verse 8

श्रीकार्तिकेय करुणामृतपूर्णदृष्ट्या,
कामादिरोगकलुषीकृतदुष्टचित्तम् ।
सिक्त्वा तु मामव कलाधरकान्तिकान्त्या,
वल्लीशनाथ मम देहि करावलम्बम् ॥ ८॥

Sree karthikeya karuna mrutha poorna drushtya,
Kamadhi roga kalushi krutha drushta chitham,
Sikthwa Thu mamava kaladhara kanthi kaanthya,
Valleesa nadha mama dehi karavalambham. 

ஶ்ரீகார்திகேய கருணாம்றுத பூர்ண த்றுஷ்ட்யா,
காமாதி ரோக கலுஷீக்றுத துஷ்ட சித்தம் |
சிக்த்வா து மாமவ கலாதர காந்தி காந்தியா
வல்லீஸனாத மம தேஹி கராவலம்பம் || 8 ||

Oh, Lord Karthikeya! You bestow boons on your devotees through your merciful eyes. You cure us of all our diseases like lust etc and clean us of our bad thoughts just by casting your eye sight on us. You are the embodiment of all arts. You shine with great effulgence. You are the consort of Goddess Valli. Please lend me a helping hand and lift me out of my troubles.

Verse 9

सुब्रह्मण्याष्टकं पुण्यं ये पठन्ति द्विजोत्तमाः ।
ते सर्वे मुक्तिमायान्ति सुब्रह्मण्यप्रसादतः ॥9॥
सुब्रह्मण्याष्टकमिदं प्रातरुत्थाय यः पठेत् ।
कोटिजन्मकृतं पापं तत्क्षणादेव नश्यति ॥10॥

Subrahmanya ashtakam punyam yeh padanthi dwijothama,
They sarve mukthimayanthi Subrahmanya prasadatha,
Subrahmanyashtakam idham prathar uthaya ya padeth,
Kodi janma krutham papam thath kshanad thasya nasyathi.

ஸுப்ரஹ்மண்ய அஷ்டகம் புண்யம் யே படன்தி த்விஜோத்தமாஃ |
தே ஸர்வே முக்தி மாயான்தி ஸுப்ரஹ்மண்ய ப்ரஸாததஃ |
ஸுப்ரஹ்மண்ய அஷ்டகமிதம் ப்ராதருத்தாய யஃ படேத் |
கோடிஜன்மக்றுதம் பாபம் தத்‍க்ஷணாதஶ்ய நாஸ்யதி ||

He who sincerely reads and recites this Subramanya Karavalambam shall attain moksha with the grace of Lord Subramanya. The person who sincerely reads and recites this Karavalambam early in the morning shall get rid of his sins committed in the crores of his previous births.







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Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Subrahmanya Pancharathnam

 Subramanya  Pancharathnam

(Composed by Sri Adi Shankara)

Kukke Subramanya Swami


Hi viewer, welcome to my blogsite.

Pancharathnam means five gems or five precious slogams. This is also known as Kumara Pancharathna stotram, dedicated to Lord Subramanya at Kukke in Karnataka. 

Sri Subrahmanya Pancharatnam has been translated in english by Shri P. R. Ramachander. Sri Subrahmanya Pancharathnam is a five-verse prayer chanted everyday by devotees. The sixth verse of Sri Subrahmanya Pancharathnam explains the benefits of chanting this prayer. 


Verse 1
 
ஷடானனம் சந்தன லிப்தகாத்ரம்
மஹோரசம் திவ்ய மயூர வாஹனம்
ருத்ரஷ்ய ஸூனும் சுரலோக நாதம்
ப்ரஹ்மன்ய தேவம் சரணம் ப்ரபத்யே (1)

Shadananam, chandana lepithangam,
Mahorasam, divya mayoora vahanam,
Rudrasya soonum, sura loka nadam,
Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye

षडाननं चन्दन लेपिताङ्गं
महोरसं दिव्य मयूर वाहनम्
रुद्रस्य सूनं सुरलोक नाथं
ब्रह्मण्य देवं शरणं प्रपद्ये (1)

Meaning:
Hey six faced Lord Subramanya,  
You are the one whose body is smeared with sandal paste. You are the great essence of divinity. You ride on the peacock. You are the son of Lord Shiva. You are the lord of the heavens. Oh God of ultimate consciousness, I seek refuge at Your holy feet.

Verse 2

ஜாஜ்வல்ய மானம் ஸுரப்ருந்த வந்த்யம் குமார தாரா தடா மந்த்ரஸ்தம் கந்தர்ப்ப ரூபம் கமனீய காத்ரம் ப்ரஹ்மன்ய தேவம் சரணம் ப்ரபத்யே (2)

Jajwalyamanam, sura brunda vandyam, 
Kumaradhara thada mandirastham, 
Kandarpa roopam, Kamaneeya gathram, 
Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye. 

जाज्वल्य मानं सुर वृन्द वन्द्यं
कुमार धारातट मन्दिरस्थम्
कन्दर्प रूपं कमनीय गात्रं
ब्रह्मण्यदेवं शरणं प्रपद्ये (2)

Meaning:
Oh, Lord Subramanya. You shine all around in all directions. You are praised and  worshipped by all devas, Who has a temple on the banks of Kumaradhara (refers to Kukke Subramanyam temple in Karnataka), Who has an charming personality and an excellent physique. Oh God of ultimate consciousness, I seek refuge at Your holy feet.

Verse 3
த்விஷட்புஜம் த்வாதஸ திவ்ய நேத்ரம் த்ரயீதனும் சூலமஹம் ததானம் சேஷாவதாரம் கமனீய ரூபம் ப்ரஹ்மன்ய தேவம் சரணம் ப்ரபத்யே (3)

Dwishadbujam dwadasa divya nethram, Trayee thanum soolamasim dadhanam, Seshavatharam, kamaneeya roopam, Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye

द्विषड्भुजं द्वादशदिव्यनेत्रं
त्रयीतनुं  शूलमसी दधानम्
शेषावतारं कमनीयरूपं
ब्रह्मण्यदेवं शरणं प्रपद्ये (3)

Meaning:
You are the Lord with two sets of six hands (12 hands), with twelve lovely eyes. You are the son of three eyed Lord Shiva, who gave his weapon “Soola” to you. You are the incarnation of Adi Sesha, the serpent. You have a very pleasing appearance. Oh God of ultimate consciousness, I seek refuge at Your holy feet.

Verse 4
ஸுராரி கோரஹவ ஷோபமானம் சுரோத்தமம் சக்திதரம் குமாரம் சுதார ஸக்த்யாயுத ஷோபிஹஸ்தம் ப்ரஹ்மன்ய தேவம் சரணம் ப்ரபத்யே (4)

Surari gorahava shobhamanam, Surothamam shakthi daram kumaram, Sudhaara shakthyayudha shobhi hastham, Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye

सुरारि घोराह वशोभ मानं
सुरोत्तमं शक्तिधरं कुमारम्
सुधार शक्त्यायुध शोभिहस्तं
ब्रह्मण्यदेवं शरणं प्रपद्ये (4)

Meaning
You appear as a powerful light creating fear in the minds of Asuras, who are the enemies of Devas. You are the greatest and the best among all the Devas. You are the son of Shakthi. You hold in your hands, the dazzling spear (Vel) as you weapon, which was given to you by Shakthi. Oh God of ultimate consciousness, I seek refuge at Your holy feet.

Verse 5
இஷ்டார்த்த ஸித்தி ப்ரதமீஷ புத்ரம் இஷ்டான்னதம் பூஸுர காமதேனும் கங்கோத்பவம் சர்வ ஜனானு கூலம் ப்ரஹ்மன்ய தேவம் சரணம் ப்ரபத்யே (5)

Ishtartha sidhi pradha meesa puthram, Ishtannadham bhoosura kamadhenum, Gangodbhavam sarva jananukoolam, Brahmanya devam, saranam prapadye

इष्टार्थ सिद्धि प्रदमीशपुत्रं
मिष्टान्नदं भूसुर कामधेनुम्
गङ्गोद्भवं सर्व जनानुकूलं
ब्रह्मण्यदेवं शरणं प्रपद्ये (5)

Meaning:
You are the son of Lord Parameswara. You grant all that is asked for by your devotees. You grant desired food to all noble souls, much like the wish fulfilling Kamadhenu cow. You came out of the holy river Ganga at birth. You are the one who helps and supports all people. Oh God of ultimate consciousness, I seek refuge at Your holy feet.

Phalasthuthi
ய: ஸ்லோக மிதம் படதே ச பக்த்யா ப்ரஹ்மண்ய தேவ விநிவேம்ச நிதமானஸஸ் ஸஸ்ஸன் ப்ராப்னோதி போகமகிலம் புவியத் யாதிஷ்டம் அந்தே ஜகத்ச திமுதா குஹ சாம்ய மேவ .

Ya slokamidham padatheeha bhakthya, Brahmanya deva nivesitha manasa san, Prapnothi bhogamakilam bhuvi yadyadishtam, Anthe cha gachathi muda guha samyameva

यः श्र्लोक पञ्चमिदं पठतीह भक्त्या
ब्रह्मण्य देव विनिवेशित मानसः सन्
प्राप्नोति भोगमखिलं भुवि यद्यदिष्टमन्ते
स गच्छति मुदा गुहा साम्य मेव  (6)

Those devotees who recite these five stanzas with devotion, with mind fully focussed on Lord Subramanya, would enjoy all the pleasures they seek on this earth and then reach the holy abode of Lord Subrahamanya. 
இதி ஸ்ரீ ஸுப்ரமண்ய பஞ்சரத்னம் சம்பூர்ணம்
 
Here ends Sri Subrahmanya pancharathnam.


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Thursday, October 3, 2024

Meenakshi Pancha Ratnam By Adi Sankarar

 MEENAKSHI PANCHA RATNAM

(BY SRI ADI SANKARA)

Goddess Meenakshi, Madurai.

Hi Viewer,

Welcome to my blog site.

Presenting to you,  yet another superb sloka given to us by Sri Adi Shankara. For your benefit, I give below this sloka with meaning, for daily recital. You can listen to this slokam in the following link.


Meanings

Sloka 1:

Udyath bhaanu sahasra koti sadrusam keyura haarojjwalaam
Bimboshtim smitha dantha pankthi ruchiraam peetambaralankruthaam
Vishnu brahma surendra sevitha pathaam thatva swaroopaam shivaam
Meenakshim pranathosmi santhathamaham karunya vaaraam nitheem. 

Meaning:

Udyath bhaanu sahasra koti sadrusam - Goddess Meenakshi shines brilliantly as if thousand crores of Suns are raising at a time. 
Keyura haarojjwalaam - She wears luminous jewels such as bracelet (in Her arms) and necklaces. 
Bimba aushtim - Her lips resemble the red bimba (Madhulam) fruit, 
Smitha dantha pankthi ruchiraam  She exhibits a charming smile which is ably supported by perfect rows of  shining teeth. 
Peetambara alankruthaam  - She is adorned in yellow silk clothings.
Vishnu brahma surendra sevitha pathaam - Her feet are worshipped by Vishnu, Brahma and Indra, the king of gods. 
Thatva swaroopaam shivaam - She is the embodiment of Truth and auspeciousness. 
Meenakshmi pranathosmi santhatham aham - I bow to Her for ever, seeking Her blessings.
karunya vaaraa nitheem - She is an ocean of compassion. 

Sloka 2:

Muktha hara lasath kireeta ruchiraam poorneindu vakthra prabhaam
Sinchan nupura kinkini manidaraam padma prabha basuraam
Sarvaabeeshta phala pradham giri suthaam vani rama sevithaam
Meenakshim pranathosmi santhathamaham karunya vaaraam nitheem 

Meaning:

I bow always to Goddess Meenakshi, 

Muktha hara lasath kireeta ruchiraam - She wears a crown decorated with garland of pearls. 
poorna indu vakthra prabhaam - Her face shines with the lustre of a full moon. 
Sinchan nupura kinkini manidaraam, padma prabha basuraam - Her lotus feet is adorned with jingling anklets made of bells & gems, radiating splendour all around. 
Sarvaabeeshta phala pradham - She is the one who bestows Her devotees with all their wishes. 
giri suthaam - She is the daughter of the king of Himalayas,
Vani Rama sevithaam - She is assisted by Saraswathi and Lakshmi.

Sloka 3:

Sri vidhyaam shiva vama bhaga nilayaam hreenkara mantrojwalaam
Sri chakrangitha bindu madhya vasathim srimath sabha nayikaam
Srimath shanmuga vignaraja jananim srimath jagan mohinim
Meenakshim pranathosmi santhathamaham karunya vaaraam nithim.

Meaning:

Sri vidhyaam – She is embodiment of Sri Vidhya.
Shiva vama bhaga nilayaam  She resides in the left half of Lord Shiva
Hreenkara mantrojwalaam – She shines with the mantra “Hreem”.
Sri chakra angitha bindu madhya vasathim – She resides in the central bindhu which is part of Sri Chakra.
Srimath sabha nayikaam – She presides over the court of devas as their Queen.
Srimath shanmuga vignaraja jananim – She is the mother of Lord Ganesh and Lord Shanmuga.
Srimath jagan mohinim – She is the maya sakthi, trapping all beings in the universe with Her shear beauty.

Sloka 4:

Srimath Sundara nayakeem bhaya haraam jnana pradhaam Nirmalaam
Syamabhaam kamalaasanarchitha padaam narayanasyaanujaam
Veenaa venu mrudanga vadhya rasikaam nanaa vidhaam ambikaam
Meenakshmi pranathosmi santhathamaham karunya vaaraam nithim. 

Meaning:

Srimath Sundara nayakeem – She is the consort of Sundareswara
bhaya haraam – She is the destroyer of fear.
jnana pradhaam – She bestows knowledge
Nirmalaam – She is without any defects.
Shyamabhaam – She is of dark green colour, representing Goddess Saraswathi.
Kamala asana architha padaam – Lord Brahma, who has Lotus as his seat, does pooja at Her holy feet.
Narayanasya anujaam – She is the younger sister of Lord Narayana.
Veenaa venu mrudanga vadhya rasikaam – She likes to listen to Veena, Flute and Mridangam instruments.
nanaa vidhaam ambikaam – She appears in many forms as Mother.

Sloka 5:

Nanaa yogi muneendra hrutya vasatheem nanartha siddhi pradhaam,
Nanaa pushpavirajithangri yugalaam, narayanen archithaam,
Nada brahma mayim parath para tharaam, nanartha thathwathmikaam,
Meenakshmi pranathosmi santhathamaham, karunya vaaraam nithim. 

Meaning:

Nanaa yogi muneendra hrudya vasatheem – She resides in the hearts of many yogins and ascetics.
Nanartha siddhi pradhaam – She bestows many siddhis (powers) to devotees.
Nanaa pushpa virajitha angri yugalaam – Her pair (yugalam) of feet (angri) are splendidly adorned with various flowers (by Her devotees).
Narayanena archithaam – She is worshipped by Lord Narayana.
Nada brahma mayim – She is of the form of Pranava Sound.
Paraath para tharaam ­– She is superior to the Supreme being.
Nana artha thatva athmikaam – She is the essence of all  materials.


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