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From the Bhakti List Archives

muralidhar rangaswamy • May 5, 1999 


Sri:

Dear Bhaktas,

Sriman Sadagopan Swamin encouraged me to share the following observations 
pertinent to Hri. In his note, Sriman Sadagopan
Swamin noted the connection between Hri and Kshama. This Kshama
is an all important aspect of the Bhumi Piratti, which manifests
itself in her request to the Lord to forgive the sins committed
by those seek SharaNagati at His lotus feet. The act of granting
SharaNagati is a Yajna performed by the Lord. The role of Bhumi
Piratti in this Yajna, is extolled in the Bhu Sooktam Rk "Shrunge Shrunge 
Yajne Yajne VibhishaNee".

In the January 1999 telephone Upanyasam, H.H. Srimad Andavan Swami of Srimad 
Poundarikapuram Ashramam provided a superb explanation of the role of Bhumi 
Piratti in granting refuge to a supplicant. H.H. pointed out the analogy of 
SharaNagati to a court trial-except that in this
case, the court is that of Lord Narayana, who is the Supreme Judge.
In his imitable style, H.H. Srimad Andavan Swami pointed out that when the 
Lord turns to one side He sees NeeLa Piratti trying to cover up the sins 
committed by the supplicant. Angered by this, the Lord turns
the other side (hoping to get the support of Bhumi Piratti) only to see 
Bhumi Piratti requesting forgiveness of the supplicants' sins.
The Lord then beholds Sri Devi, who argues that "Although the
supplicant has sinned, please overlook his sins and bestow him
with grace." In this context, H.H. pointed out the elevated role
of Daya (motivated by Kshama) in granting refuge to a Prapanna.
H.H. noted that the KalyaNa GuNam of Daya is a female lawyer in the court of 
Lord Narayana. Lord Narayana is an impartial adjudicator
in this court and dispenses justice in strict accordance with the
Sastraic injunctions (Pakshapaataana Bhigyam). Various KalyaNa GuNams of the 
Lord, attest to the Sastraic violations on the part of the supplicant and 
recommend that the supplicant be punished for his transgressions. H.H. 
beautifully remarked that the GuNam of Daya, synonymous with JnAna, prevails 
over all other KalyaNa GuNams, in
arguing that the supplicant must not be punished and instead must
be graced. H.H. cited PramANams from the RamayaNa in support of
Daya Devi's defense. The following arguments are advanced by
Daya Devi:

"It is known that the supplicant has sinned, and that the Sastras
say that he deserves to be punished. However, here is why he should
not. Let us take the case of the Ramayana. Sita Piratti, Ilaya Perumal
, Hanuman are all KuTravadis (sinners). Why? Did not Sita Piratti
hurl abuses at Ilaya Perumal? Did not Ilaya Perumal go to help
Lord Rama against the command of the Lord Himself? Did not Hanuman
suggest that he would carry Sita (a Parama Pativrata) on his back? Nay
the Lord himself can be blamed for placing Sita Piratti in a vulnerable 
position so that Ravana could kidnap her.Are all of these not in violation 
of the Sastras? Going by the logic
of the other KalyaNa GuNams aren't these acts worthy of punishment?
However, are such actions punished? No."

Somewhat mollified, the other KalyaNa GuNams recommend that the
supplicant perform Prayaschittam. However, Daya Devi debunks this
argument as well by stating that "In order to perform Prayaschittam
for his violations, the supplicant has to take an infinte number of
rebirths and each time he may engage in further Sastraic violations
which will only increase his burden. Thererfore, even Prayaschittam
is an exercise in futility. Hence, the supplicant should
not be punished but instead granted refuge forthwith." The Lord is
pleased to hear the arguments of Daya Devi. The other KalyaNa GuNams
have no alternative course to offer and concur with Daya Devi's
position. The Lord then bestows his grace on the supplicant.

Everything correctly stated in entirely due to the grace of my
Acharyan, H.H. Srimad Poundarikapuram Andavan Swami. All errors and
shortcomings are mine alone.

Kamapya Navadhim VandE KaruNa VaruNaalayam
Vrishashaila Tatasthanaam Swayam Vyaktim Upagatam

Namo Narayana,

Muralidhar Rangaswamy


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