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Stotras of Vedanta Desika
by Sri D. Ramaswamy Ayyangar
Page 7
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11. Kaamaasikashtakam
This stotra is in praise of the Lord whom Tirumangai Alvar has
referred to as Velukkai-aalari, the Narasimha of
Velukkai. Peyalvar had already given that name to the
kshetra. Velukkai is the colloquial form of Velirukkai (in
Tamil). Vedanta Desika literally translates it as Kamaasika (Kama
is the god of love, Cupid; aasika -- in his sitting posture). The
description of Lord Narasimha in slokas 2, 3, 6 and 7 and
of His posture in slokas 4 and 5 is highly enjoyable.
More Details -
Devanagari Text
12. Saranagati Deepika
This is a very important stotra in several respects. As its very
name indicates it is a treatise on saranagati
(surrender). Vedanta Desika is said to have come into this world
to establish the soundness and efficacy of which as an unfailing
and immediate upaya (means) for the attainment of moksha. This
sampradayam (traditional faith), in which saranagati is held in
high esteem, is referred to in the very first sloka as the
"highly venerated sampradayam that emerged from the mahaanasa
(kitchen) of Yatiraja (Acharya Ramanuja)." We are also told that
this sampradayam is being presented here in the form of a hymn in
praise of Lord Deepaprakasa (Vilakkoli in Tamil). The name of the
Kshetra is Himavanam (Tan-kaa in Tamil) meaning a cool
grove. This is Vedanta Desika's birthplace, the actual spot being
known as Thooppul near here. No wonder this stotram is a fine
garland of praise in respect of the Lord of his birth place in
addition to being a compendium on the theory and practice of
saranagati.
Lakshmi is referred to in the first five slokas, the idea
being that She is part of Divinity or the Supreme Being. In fact,
sloka 3 tells us that the Lord is the Deepa (lamp) but Lakshmi is
its lustre. Lakshmi has to be resorted to first in saranagati
(Valmiki Ramayanam, Ayodhya Kandam and Ramanuja's Saranagati
Gadyam).
That Saranagati has its roots in the Upanishads is made
known to us by sloka 9 which is almost a reproduction of the
mantra of Svetasvatara Upanishad (6.18) ending with the
words "mumukshur vai SaraNam aham prapadye". Slokas 10 to 40 deal
with the doctrine of prapatti, how it differs from bhakti-yoga,
its angas or essential prerequisites, how to observe or perform
prapatti, what must be the conduct of a prapanna in the post-prapatti
period, and so on. This part of the stotra can well be
said to be a recapitulation in verse of several chapters of
Srimad Rahasya Traya Sara, Vedanta Desika's magnum opus on
Saranagati Sastra in manipravala prose, interspersed with
Sanskrit slokas and Tamil verses.
From sloka 41 to the end it is fervid devotion finding
expression in eloquent verse and elegant argumentation, and
moving appeals for help. This part must be studied and restudied
by every prapanna.
Sloka 57 holds out a reward to the Lord Himself. If He protects
us, He will be the recipient of Lakshmi Devi's loving and
approving kataakshas (glances).
More Details -
Devanagari Text
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Last modified: Tue Apr 6 16:46:33 PDT
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