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Re: [SriRangaSri] Doubt

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s.ramachandran • March 25, 2003 


There are zillions of names for the LORD...Which is supreme, which is best,
which is the highest ? There cannot be a clear answer since each is better
than the other.  Each is unique and distinct.  Each is relevant.

Among the millilons of names, the ancients through their 'mantra drashtr'
i.e.  inward looking eye through severe austreties and practice of various
forms of Yoga, they interpreted the various Vedic mantras and noted
Dwadashnama i.e. 12 most appropriate ones, which were broadly
representative of all the various names. The purpose also was to ensure
that these 12 would be such names whcih will give the ordinary mortals a
good idea of the LORD's powers, capacities, qualities, compassion and so
on.

Then the Rishis thought, since Kali Yuga is inevitable, Dharma will be
tottering on one leg and before long there will reign utter chaos and
misery on earth.  So why not give the mortals a way out ?

Namaa chanting was thus concieved.   To ensure that the Namaa chanting was
followed rigourously it was built-into the Sandyavandanam.

   Now comes Kesava, Narayana.  Again, Kesava is 'KA' for Brahma and 'ISA'
   for Lord i.e. Lord of all. Another meaning in the Vishnu Purana is
   Kesava is Kesas or Brahma/Vishnu/Shiva i.e.all three.  These are the
   only 3 basic forms of the same Brahman, Paramatama, or entire cosmos.
   There are six forms of worship. Shiva / Vishnu / Skanda / Ganapathy
   /Shakti Sauram (Sun) Off these six the basic three Brahma, Vishnu and
   Mahesha are the foundation.  Brahma due to a curse was not destined to
   be worshipped.  But his presence, relevance etc. continues to be high
   and equal to the other two.

   Now Kesava therefore symbolised better than Narayana because right at
   the beginning of the Sandhyavandanm you use your primary limb i.e.thumb
   (without which you cannot normally function ) and bring to mind all the
   possible forms of the almighty. And therefore, it is Kesava. There are
   other meanings for Kesava too.

   Narayana is next best.  You may well ask, why not Purushotama as second.
   Hope you got the spirit of the logical order ?

Om Tat Sat
Tat tvam asi



                                                                                                           
                      "vijayalu"                                                                           
                      ,                     
                      o.com.bh>                                               
                                               cc:                                                         
                      03/23/03 01:09           Subject: [SriRangaSri] Doubt                                
                                                                                                          
Dear Bhagavathas

While doing sandhyavandanam. we are first chanting kesava and then Narayana
and then it goes on. If Sreeman Narayana which we all know is Paramartha
and the Supreme why His Name comes second?

Please clarify

Thanks
VKV


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




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