Sri Vasihnavas and Sivan
From the Bhakti List Archives
• September 22, 1995
Some issues of Sri Nrusimha Priya contain a section called "KELvi - bathil" (Question - answer). In this section the editors make up some questions that are of interest to the reading public and provide answers in line with our sambrathaayam. October 94 issue contains three questions that are relevant to one of topics that is currently under discussion here. Given below is only a summary of the questions and answers. I have translated them to the best of my abilities. -- Dileepan ======================================== QUESTION - ANSWER ----------------------------- 1. Many Azhvaar paasurams urge us to worship devotees of Lord Vishnu. If Sivan (and Brahma) is considered a devotee of Sriman Narayana, should we not worship him as well? No! Puraanaas tell us that Sivan fought against Lord Vishnu on behalf of Kaasiraajan and BaaNaasuran. Some claim that Rudran is equal to, or even greater than, Narayana. For these reasons the term devotee, as used by Azhvaars, does not apply to Sivan. But, since Sivan and Brahma are His creation we should not harbor any enmity. We should not dishonor or disrespect these deities. 2. For many years I have been worshiping several deities such as Narayana, Rudhran, and Murugan. If I stop worshiping deities other than Narayana I am afraid of provoking their wrath? Is it OK for me to continue to worship all the deities, but consider Narayana to be the paradevathai? No! If you have surrendered to the supreme Lord Narayana there can be no doubt that He will save you. There is no reason for you to fear anyone. 3. For a number of years I have had pictures of Ganapathy, Murugan, and Sivan in my pooja room. I feel hesitant to remove them now. Is it OK to just leave them there, but pray only to Lord Narayana? No! Give them to someone who do worship these deities. Keeping these pictures is like a faithful and loving wife keeping a picture of a old boy friend (a bit of bad translation here, but conveys the meaning). ==============================================
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