O Lord of Guruvayur who takes rest on Satyabham’s bosom! You called Kritavarma and Akrura who had gone away afraid of you and brought to light the jewel ( which had been left with Akrura by Satadhanwa). You were then happy to leave the jewel with Akrura a

O Lord of Guruvayur who takes rest on Satyabham’s bosom! You called Kritavarma and Akrura who had gone away afraid of you and brought to light the jewel ( which had been left with Akrura by Satadhanwa). You were then happy to leave the jewel with Akrura as his conduct and character were good. May you save me (from my afflictions).

***

Prayers to the Lord of Guruvayoor

from Narayaneeyam (9)

Given below is the collection of last slokas from Daskasmn 81 to 90 of this great devotional work with a prosaic translation in English. A brief note on the contents of each dasaka is also given, where possible, to put the slokas in context.

दशकम्-८१ श्लोकसंख्या-१०

Krishna, along with Satyabhama, attended the marriage of Draupadi. He stayed with the Pandavas at Hastinapura for sometime for their happiness. He then established the city of Indraprastha and came back to Dwaraka. Arjuna, in the guise of a sanyasi, abducted and married Krishna’s sister Subhadra whose hand had been promised to Duryodhana by Balaram. Arjuna had the tacit consent of Krishna who somehow pacified an enraged Balaram. Krishna then went to Indrapastha along with Arjuna, Subhadra and Balaram to show his affection for Arjuna and the other Pandavas. While at Indraprastha Krishna met Kalindi on the banks of Yamuna and married her. He helped Arjuna to burn the Khandava Forest to propitiate Agni. Krishna also married Mitravinda who was deeply in love with him but was afraid of her brothers. Satya, daughter of Nagnajit, was won by Krishna after tethering seven powerful bulls simultaneously, taking seven different bodies. Krishna also married Bhadra whose hand was offered by her brothers. Riding on Garuda with Satyabhama seated on his lap and breaking the forts Krishna massacred Mura’s army making Pragjyotishapuram a city with blood flowing. Five-headed Mura rose up from the waters of the sea threatening Krishna who cut off his head by his ckakra. Narakasura who came with sixty five four-tusked elephants also met the same fate as Mura. Praised by Bhumi, Krishna crowned Bhagadatta, son of Narakasura, as the king. Narakasura had kept in captivity sixteen thousand young women who loved Krishna and had taken refuge in him. They were released from captivity by Krishna and sent to Dwaraka. The four-tusked elephants were also sent to Dwarka except the one gifted to Bhagadatta. Krishna then went to swargaloka with Satyabhama to give Aditi her ear globes snatched by Naraksura. They were welcomed and honoured by Indra. Satyabhama was the envy of celestial damsels whom the former excelled in beauty.. Krishna forcibly took with him the Kalpavriksha from heaven after subduing an angered Indra. Bhattathiri concludes this dasaka with the following sloka:

कल्पद्रुं सत्यभामाभवनभुवि सृजन् द्व्यष्टसाहस्रयोषाः

स्वीकृत्य प्रत्यगारं विहितबहुवपुर्लालयन् केलिभेदैः ।

आश्चर्यान्नारदालोकितविविधगतिस्तत्र तत्रापि गेहे

भूयः सर्वासु कुर्वन् दश दश तनयान् पाहि वातालयेश ॥८१.१०॥

O Lord of Guruvayur! You planted the kalpataru in the backyard of Satyabhama’s residence. You married the sixteen thousand young women rescued from the captivity of Narakasura, put them in separate houses, kept them in good humour by your playful activities and, taking as many forms, you surprised Narada by being with each of one of those wives in their respective houses, engaged in various mundane activities. You also fathered in each of them ten sons each. O Lord! save me (from my ailments).

दशकम्-८२ श्लोकसंख्या-१०

Pradyumna, son of Krishna born of Rukmini, was abducted by Shambara. Pradyumna killed Shambara and, along with Rati, returned to Dwaraka and abducted the daughter of Rukmi. Aniruddha, Pradyumna’s son of excellent qualities, married the grand daughter of Rukmi. Krishna attended this wedding where Balarama killed Rukmi because of a quarrel in the game of dice. Bana, son of Mahabali and a devotee of Lord Siva had one thousand hands. His daughter Usha had, in a dream, intimate relations with Aniruddha whom she had never seen before. She fell madly in love with him and pined for him. Her maid Chitralekha drew pictures of eligible young men for her. Usha recognised Arniruddha in one of the pictures. Chitralekha brought Aniruddha to Usha by her yogic powers and the couple spent time together in secret. Bana got wind of this and imprisoned Aniruddha. This news was brought to Krishna by Narada.

Krishna attacked Shonitapuram, capital city of Bana, with the Yadava army. Shiva, guarding the fort, fought back with his bhuthaganas. Bana engaged Satyaki in battle. Kumara, Siva’s son, fought Pradyumna and Krishna himself took on Siva. Krishna countered all of Siva’s astras until Siva fell into a swoon by the mohanastra sent by Krishna. Shiva’s bhuthaganas fled in fear. Bana fought valiantly with five hundred bows but all the bows were broken and his hands were being cut one after another. Shiva jwara was overcome by Vishnu jwara. All of a sudden Siva regained consciousness, sang praises of Krishna and requested Krishna to leave Bana, whose sins had been purged, with two hands on each side. Krishna relented and, honoured by Bana, returned to Dwaraka with Aniruddha and Usha who were joined in wedlock. Bhattathiri concludes this dasaka with the following sloka:

द्विजरुषा कृकलासवपुर्धरं

नृगनृपं त्रिदिवालयमापयन् ।

निजजने द्विजभक्तिमनुत्तमा-

मुपदिशन् पवनेश्वर! पाहि माम् ॥८२.१०॥

King Nriga, cursed by a brahmana, had taken the body of a huge lizard and was trapped in a well. O Lord of Guruvayoor! You took him out of the well and despatched him to heaven advising your own people about the importance of showing reverence to brahmanas. Please save me (from my ailments)

दशकम्-८३ श्लोकसंख्या-१०

Paundraka Vasudeva king of Kurusha thought (or imagined) that he was an incarnation of Narayana himself. He carried, on his body, the distinguishing marks of Mahavishnu like srivatsa (created by a red hot iron or some other metal), a huge discus made of iron, kaustubha represented by a precious stone, ear globes (kundalas) and yellow silk garments. He sent a messenger to Krishna with the message that he (Paundraka) was the real incarnation of Mahavishnu and Krishna should give up all those distinguishing marks of Vishnu and surrender himself to Paundraka. After the messenger left Krishna came to Paudraka with the Yadava army when Paundraka flung his discus at Krishna who cut off Paundraka’s head with his Sudarsana chakra and destroyed his army. Paundraka, though he challenged Krishna, had mentally identified himself with Mahavishnu. Killed by Krishna he merged in Krishna attaining Sayuja Mukti. Sudakshina, son of the King of Kasi, created Kritya, a fiery malevolent entity by abhichara (black magic), to kill Krishna who flung his Sudarshana chakra at it. The chakra chased the terrible Kritya which, crying hoarse and enraged, went back and burnt Sudakshina himself. The city of Kashi was also destroyed by Krishna’s chakra. Bhattathiri concludes this dasaka with the following sloka:

सांबं कौरव्यपुत्रीहरणनियमितं सान्त्वनार्थी कुरूणां

यातस्तद्वाक्यरोषाlद्धृतकरिनगरो मोचयामास रामः ।

ते घात्याः पाण्डवेयैरिति यदुपृतनां नामुचस्त्वं तदानीम्

तं त्वां दुर्बोधलीलं पवनपुरपते तापशान्त्यै निषेवे ॥८३.१०॥

O Lord of Guruvayur! Samba, son of Krishna by Jambavati, abbducted Lakshana, daughter of Duryodhana but was caught and incarcerated by the Kauravas. Balarama went to the Kauravas to mollify them but enraged by their words threatened destruction of Hastinapura. However, Samba was released and Balarama left the matter at that thinking that it was for the Pandavas to kill the Kaurawas. O Lord of Guruvayur! who can understand your leelas? I take refuge in you for the removal from my afflictions.

दशकम्-८४ श्लोकसंख्या-१०

During a solar eclipse Krishna, leaving Kritavarma and Aniruddha for the defence of Dwaraka, left for Samanthapanchaka, a place well known for a holy dip during the solar eclipse, along with yadavas and their womenfolk.. Krishna, for the welfare of all, himself took a holy dip, gave cash as dakshina to brahmins and mingled with Pandavas, Kauravas and other friends. Hearing from the wives of Krishna the manner in which Krishna had married them, Draupadi was very pleased as also the other women in the group. Then Krishna, seeing the gopas went to them and eagerly met with the gopis whose bodies had become wafer thin as they were pining in separation from Krishna. The sight of Krishna was a virtual carnival for the gopis whose heart had been stolen by Krishna who found again the joy of nestling in their familiar bosoms. Embracing Radha, Krishna consoled her saying that so much delay was caused because of the fights with enemies.

Radha, deeply in love, lost herself in Krishna who imparted to the gopis, who had by this time overcome the pangs of separation, the knowledge that He was the Sachidanandaswarupa Atman in all beings. Gopis realised the truth of this in their lives and experienced the bliss of Krishna Consciousness. The Rishis made Vasudeva perform a Yaga, for the removal of all difficulties and for the benefit of all. The yaga lasted for three months during which period the gopis enjoyed the company of Krishna. Bhattathiri concludes this dasaka with the following sloka:

व्यपगमसमये समेत्य राधां

दृढमुपगुह्य निरीक्ष्य वीतखेदाम्।

प्रमुदितहृदयः पुरं प्रयातः

पवनपुरेश्वर! पाहि मां गदेभ्यः ॥८४.११॥

When it was time for taking leave, You went to Radha and firmly embraced her. Seeing her free from sorrow, your heart was filled with joy and you then left for Dwaraka. O Lord of Guruvayoor! save me from my afflictions.

दशकम्-८५ श्लोकसंख्या-११

Jarasandha, king of Magadha, had kept in captivity twenty thousand and eight hundred kings and was toturing them. Without anyone to turn to for help, they sent a messenger to Krishna begging him to put an end to Jaransandha. When Krishna was preparing to attack Jarasandha with his army, Narada came and informed him of YudhiShthira’s preparations for a Rajasuya Yaga. Making up his mind that both these events could be accomplished simultaneously, Krishna proceeded to Indraprastha, the capital city of Yudhishthira. The reason was that before starting the Rajasuya Yaga Jarasandha had to be defeated any way. YudhiShthira was happy when Krisha came with his wives. Yudhishthira had scored victory over all the other kings except Jarasandha. He therefore entrusted this job to Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna. The three of them went to Jarasandha in the guise of brahmins and asked for a duel from him with any one of the three. Jarasandha, who respected brahmins, readily agreed and chose Bhima as the opponent. It was a terrible duel and Bhima was finding it difficult to cope. Then Krishna by signs told Bhima that he should vertically cleave into two parts Jarasandha’s body in order to kill him. Bhima did accordingly and sent Jarasandha to the abode of Yama. Krishna released all those kings kept in captivity by Jarasandha and asked them to go back to their respective kingdoms and look after their subjects. Krishna took active part in the Rajasuya Yaga by washing the feet of brahmins etc. Fortunate indeed was Yudhishthira. The question arose who should be honoured by agrapuja in Rajasuya. Sahadeva suggested Krishna’s name and this was accepted by all except Sisupala who opposed it denigrating Krishna. Pandavas took up cudgels against him but Krishna checked them and himself cut off Sisupala’s head with his chakra. Sisupala merged with Krishna as he was continuously thinking of Krishna only for three births albeit as an enemy.

Rajasuya was successfully completed and cries of joy arose from the people ‘victory to Yudhishthira’ and ‘victory to Krishna’. However, Duryodhana was green wth envy seeing the prosperity and success of the Pandavas. He was confounded in the hall constructed by Maya for Yudhishthira. Areas with water appeared to him as dry land whereas dry areas appeared as full of water. The result was funny. He appeared to wade through water, careful not to wet his clothes, while walking on dry area. On the other hand he walked freely on areas with water as if it were dry land. It was real funny.

Bhattathiri concludes this dasaka with the following sloka.

तदा हसितमुत्थितं द्रुपदनन्दिनीभीमयो-

रपाङ्गकलया विभो! किमपि तावदुज्जृंभयन् ।

धराभरनिराकृतौ सपदि नाम बीजं वपन्

जनार्दन! मरुत्पुरीनिलय! पाहि मामामयात् ॥८५.११॥

The funny scene created by Duryodhana generated uncontrollable laughter in Draupadi and Bhima which Krishna encouraged on the sly by his sidelong glances. This way Krishna sowed the seed for the great war of Mahabharata, happy that the purpose of his incarnation, that of reducing the burden of the wicked on Mother Earth, was soon to be accomplished. O Janardana! Lord of Guruvayoor! save me from my illness.

दशकम्-८६ श्लोकसंख्या-११

Salva who was defeated by the cadaver forces during the marriage of Rimini obtained a viand (air plane) from Lord Shiva and attacked Wanaka when Krishna was in the country of Korus. Pradyumna fought him with the Yadu army and killed his valiant minister Dyumna. The battle lasted for 27 days. By this time Krishna reached Dwaraka along with Balarama and attacked Salva whose army had been decimated. Salva broke the bow sharnga of Krishna and killed before his very eyes the illusory body of Vasudeva created by his magical powers. Some say Krishna for a second thought it was real but Vyasa does not agree with this view. Saubha was pulverised by the mace of Krishna and cast into the sea and Salva also fell with his neck cut off by the chakra of Krishna. Dantavaktra attacked Krishna with his mace; Krishna killed with his mace Kaumodaki. Like Sisupala he also merged with Krishna whose incarnation was for the liberation of those who always had the Lord in their hearts. YudhiShthira lost Draupadi in a game of dice between him and Duryodhana’s uncle Sakuni, master of deception in the game. Draupadi was dragged into the sabha (assembly) and Dussasana pulled at her robes. She frantically clutched her robes but it was of no avail. Helpless, she cried out her heart in anguish to Krishna to save her honour. Krishna heard her call and while Dussasana kept pulling at the robes of Draupadi, unending lengths of clothing unwound from Draupadi’s body. Exhausted Dussasana gave up the effort. Thus did Krishna save Draupadi’s honour. On another occasion during the stay of Pandavas in the forest, Durvasa arrived as a guest after Draupadi had partaken of the food from the Akshayapatra, after which the Akshayapatra automatically becomes empty. Draupadi was afraid of the anger of Durvasa. Krishna came to her rescue and ate the remnants from the Akshayapatra. Durvasa and his disciples had the feeling of eaten a sumptuous meal. Thus was Draupadi saved from her predicament.

When preparations were on for a war, Arjuna opted for Krishna alone on his side while Duryodhana chose to have whole of the army of Krishna. Arjuna sent Krishna as emissary of the Pandavas to Hastinapura where Krishna spoke, on behalf of the Pandavas. While Bhishma, Drona and others accepted the proposals of Krishna, Duryodhana was adamant and refused to yield even as much land as could accommodate the tip of a needle. Krishna then revealed his cosmic form which terrified the city of Hastinapura.

When Arjuna, seeing Bhima, Drona and others ready to fight in the opposite camp, was overcome by the feeling of pity at that thought that he was out to kill them. Krishna told him that there was no death for the atman which is eternal, only the body dies. None can kill and none can be killed. Forget the fear of killing and and, with your mind fixed in me, engage in this righteous war for dharma which is the duty of a kshatriya. Krishna reveals to Arjuna his cosmic form and restored him to his normal state, ready to do Krishna’s bid. Bhishma, a staunch devotee of Krishna, was killing tens of thousands of kings daily and even Arjuna was tired of fighting. Then, Krishna, hreaking his promise of not taking up weapons in this war, jumped from the chariot and ran towards Bhishma with his sudarshana chakra, as if in a rage, but Bhishma (who had vowed that he would make Krishna take up arms in the war) simply saluted Krishna, with palms of his hands held together at his heart and his bent in reverence.

In the fight with Drona, Krishna accepted on his breast the Vishnavastra aimed at Arjuna by Bhagadutta. Arjuna had vowed to kill Jayadratha by sunset and the latter went into hiding awaiting sunset. Krishna, by the brilliance of his chakra, hid the rays of the sun. Thinking the sun had set Jayadratha appeared on the scene and Arjuna killed him fulfilling his vow.

When Karna aimed his Nagastra at Arjuna, Krishna made the earth sink a few inches allowing the nagastra only to knocked off the crown on the head of Arjuna.

Ashwathama killed the sons of Draupadi when they were asleep.

Arjuna, on the advise of Krishna, defused the Brahmastra of Ashwathama but still it still entered the womb of Uttara, wife of Abhimanyu. Krishna, taking a miniscule form, entered the womb and with his chakra and protected the child in the womb.

Bhattathiri concludes this chapter with the following sloka:

धर्मौघं धर्मसूनोरभिदधदखिलं छन्दमृत्युः स भीष्म-

स्त्वां पश्यन् भक्तिभूम्नैवहि सपदि ययौ निष्कलब्रह्मभूयम् ।

संयाज्याश्वमेधैस्त्रिभिरतिमहितैर्धर्मजं पूर्णकामं

संप्राप्तो द्वारकां त्वं पवनपुरपते पाहि मां सर्वरोगात् ॥८६. ११॥

Bhishma, who could will when he would die, lay on a bed of arrows awaiting Uttarayana, when the Sun turns North. Requested by Yudhishthira, he told the former all that was to be known about dharma. When the Sun turned North he gave up his mortal body and merged in Brahman, all the time seeing before his very eyes the Your captivating form. You made Yudhishthira perform three more ashwamedha yagas which made the latter happy and fulfilled. O Lord of Grurvayoor! free me from my ailments.

दशकम्-८७ श्लोकसंख्या-१०

Kuchela was a brahmin who was a classmate of Krishna at the gurukula of Sandeepani. He was greatly devoted to Krishna and had no desire for material things. He led the life of a householder, at peace with himself and the world. His wife, though equally good at heart, had not as much self control. She once asked her husband why he should not approach Krishna, consort of Lakshmi and a boyhood friend of his for wherewithal of a reasonable living. Thus requested by his wife who was famished with hunger, though detesting wealth which makes one conceited and vain, Kuchela set out on his journey to Dwaraka prompted by a strong desire to see Krishna.

He carried with him a fistful of flattened rice given by his wife tied in a piece of cloth as a humble offering to his friend. He reached the wondrous city of Dwaraka and entered the house of Rukmini, consort of Krishna, and felt as if he had come to VaikunTha, the abode of Mahavishnu. He was overwhelmed by the loving care, affection and honour with which he was received by Krishna. Taking Kuchela’s hands in his, Krishna recalled their stay at Sandeepani’s gurukula and how once they were caught in the rain and storm while gathering firewood in the forest and how they spent the whole night there in the forest exposed to biting cold winds and how Sandeepani had himself come in the morning searching for them. Kuchela felt shy of giving such an insignificant thing as a fistful of flattened rice to Krishna but Krishna himself snatched it from him and put a handful of flattened rice into his mouth and greatly enjoyed it. Krishna was about to have another helping of the flattened rice but Rukmini held his hand saying that one handful was enough to make Kuchela more than a millionaire. Next morning Kuchela took leave of Krishna without asking for anything. On the way Kuchela was telling himself that Krishna would have surely given him money if he had asked for it. Now what was he going to tell his wife? He was immersed in thoughts of Krishna, what he had talked, his smile, his sweet words, the hospitality extended by him and so on. Then he came upon a beautiful house with spacious halls with walls studded with precious stones. He thought he had lost his way. When he entered the house he saw his wife decked in fine clothes, wearing ornaments of gold and precious stones, surrounded by well-dressed maids. Kuchela realized that this was a bounty from Krishna for a fistful of flattened rice offered with love and devotion.

Battathiri concludes this dasaka with the following sloka:

स रत्नशालासु वसन्नपि स्वयं

समुन्नमत्भक्तिभरोऽमृतं ययौ ।

त्वमेवमापूरितभक्तवाञ्छितो

मरुत्पुराधीश हरस्व मे गदान् ॥८७.१०॥

Though living in a house of large halls studded with precious stones, Kuchela was supremely detached and full of loving devotion to You and he attained immortality merging in you. O Lord of Guruvayoor who fulfils the wishes of your devotees! free me from my afflictions.

दशकम्-८८ श्लोकसंख्या-१२

Devaki, who had already heard about Krishna bringing back Sandeepani’s son who was dead, expressed a desire to see her six sons who were killed by Kamsa. Krishna went to Sutala where Mahabali entrusted them to Krishna. They were originally sons of Mareechi who, by the curse of Brahma, were born sons of Hiranya Kashipu and in their next birth they were born as sons of Vasudeva by Devaki and were killed by Kamsa. Devaki was happy to see them who were then returned to Mahabali.

Krishna, assuming two bodies, visited, at the same time, Sruthadeva, a devoted brahmin, and Bahulashwa, a king also devoted to Krishna. Shrutadeva offered him cooked food and fruits obtained by him by bhiksha and Bahulashwa treated him with rich royal food. Both were accepted with equal satisfaction by Krishna who blessed both of them.

In Dwaraka, a brahmin complained bitterly of the death of his sons, eight of them one after the other. Krishna, for some reason, brushed it aside saying it was all fate. There was some talk about this among the people. When Arjuna was in Dwaraka the ninth son also died and hearing the anguished cries of the brahmin, Arjuna vowed that he would immolate himself in fire if he did not get the next son of the brahmin alive. Arjuna, without taking Krishna into confidence, fortified the house of the brahmin with his arrows so that none can enter the house. Still the ninth son also was lost. Arjuna, by his yogic powers, went to the world of Yama, swarga and other worlds but was not successful in getting the child. Arjuna proceeded to immolate himself in fire but Krishna prevented him.

He took Arjuna in his chariot to Vaikuntha, where they saw Mahavishnu, clothed in yellow silks, dark as the newly formed cloud, reclining on Adishesha with Lakshmi attending on him. Mahavishnu told them that he had taken away the children in order to see them who were his own manifestations in different bodies. The sons of the brahmin were restored to him by Krishna who had enacted this drama only to make Arjuna realise that he (Krishna) was pure sattwic manifestation of the sachidananda Brahman, one without a second Thus did Krishna delight every one by his exploits and leelas, took the Vrishni clan to greater heights conducted many yagnas, delighted doe-eyed women with his playful activities. His incarnation, on the pretext of unburdening the Earth of the wicked, was really for the liberation of all those who were devoted to him.

The non-dual infinite Brahman itself manifested in all its resplendence, with its plenary powers, in the captivating of Krishna. Narada, who revelled in the joy of Krishna’s remembrance, stayed in Dwaraka those days. He imparted to Vasudeva the knowledge of the unity of the Atman and the Paramatman, Brahman. Uddhava, the foremost among Krishna’s devotees got this knowledge from Krishna himself. Bhattatiri concludes this dasaka with the following sloka:

सोऽयं कृष्णावतारो जयति तव विभो! यत्र सौहार्दभीति-

स्नेहद्वेषानुरागप्रभृतिभिरतुलैरश्रमैर्योगभेदैः

आर्तिं तीर्त्वासमस्ताममृतपदमगुः सर्वतः सर्वलोकाः

स त्वं विश्वार्तिशान्त्यै पवनपुरपते भक्तिपूर्त्यै च भूयाः ॥८८.१२॥

O Lord of Guruvayoor! This incarnation of yours as Krishna scores over other incarnations. Only in this incarnation people got rid of their afflictions and were liberated by such effortless means as deep friendship, fear, affection, enmity, love, devotion and such other emotions directed towards you. O Lord of such greatness! May you allay the miseries of the whole world and ripen the devotion in the hearts of people.

दशकम्-८९ श्लोकसंख्या-१०

Lord Krishna does not confer affluence on a devotee without first ensuring that he has gained control over his mind and senses. Otherwise, the acquisition of wealth will result in his becoming vain, conceited and arrogant. Once the devotee has achieved control of the mind and senses, the Lord is quick to fulfil his wishes and there is no question of the devotee slipping from this state. Brahma, Siva and other devas are quickly propitiated and quickly angered. They are propitiated by some according to their innate nature. Such people are short-sighted because of which they slip or deviate from their position, Vritrasura is an example of such people. Once he asked Narada who could be easily propitiated, pleased. Narada suggested that he (Vritrasura) propitiate Siva not Vishnu who does not have a friendly disposition to the bad. Vritra did terrible penance and, after seven days, angered that Siva did not appear before him, he prepared himself to cut off his head.

Siva appeared before him and Vritra asked of him a silly boon that any one on whose head he (Vritra) placed his hand should drop dead instantly. Vritrasura wanted to test the boon by placing his hand on Siva’s head. Siva ran in panic, frequently looking behind, with Vritra in hot pursuit. Vishnu saw shiva being pursued by the asura and, taking the form of a Vatu, accosted Vritra saying “Why are you, O Vritra, deluded by the words of this ghost, Siva. If you have doubt in my words, try placing your hand on your own head”. Cajoled by vishnu thus, Vritra placed his hand on his own head and instantly dropped dead.

Bhrigu was sent by the rishis on the banks of Saraswati to find out who is the sattwic one among the Trimurtis (the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva). Brahma could not tolerate the indifference and want of respect from Bhrigu, his son. He became angry and was cooled by Narada. Siva also could not countenance absence of reverence from Bhrigu and he was prevented, by his consort Uma, from hurting Bhrigu. Bhrigu then went to Mahavishnu who was having a nap with his head on the lap of Lakshmi. He kicked Mahavishnu on his chest.

Vishnu woke up and profusely apologised to Bhrigu and said that he (Mahvishnu) would ever carry the mark of Bhrigu’s foot on his chest as an ornament. Thus, coming to the conclusion that Mahavishnu is the most sattwic of the Trimurtis, Saraswatha rishis attained liberation by loving devotion to his lotus feet.

Bhattathiri concludes this dasaka with the following sloka:

जगत्सृष्ट्यादौ त्वां निगमनिवहैर्वन्दिभिरिव

स्तुतं विष्णो! सच्चित्परमरसनिर्द्वैतवपुषम्।

परात्मानं भूमन्! पशुपवनिताभाग्यनिवहं

परीतापश्रान्त्यै पवनपुरवासिन् परिभजे ॥८९.१०॥

O Lord of Guruvayoor! at the beginning of creation the Vedas sang your praises as the sachidananda swarupa, embodiment of Truth, Consciousness and Bliss and One without a second. I worship you, who is the Paramatma, who is of immeasurable greatness and the fortune and joy of the gopis. I pray to you, O Lord, for the alleviation of my miseries.

दशकम्-९० श्लोकसंख्या-१०

Srimadbhagavata has established the greatness of Mahavishnu, over and above Brahma, Rudra and other devas, in the episodes, among others, of Vritrasura, bhrigu, Mohini, and Ambarisha. The consciousness which shines through equally in all beings, whether with form or without form, and which is indefinable is Mahavishnu, the manifestation of Sachidananda Brahman in pure sattwic form. In the five-fold aspects of Brahman ( according to Saivas) as the Trimurtis, Ishwara and Sadasiva, Ishwara corresponds to that aspect of Vishnu which abides in vaikuntha and Sadasiva corresponds to Mahavishnu. Of the Trimurtis Brahma is more rajasic and less sattwic; Rudra is predominantly sattwic with a trace of tamas; only Mahavishnu is purely sattwic. Adi Sankara, who is impartial, also considered Mahavishnu as above the other aspects of Brahman. .He wrote a bhashyam only for Vishnu sahasranama, not for the sahasranamas of other deities. Sankara gave up his mortal body praising Krishna, the plenary incarnation of Vishnu. In the beginning of Mantrasastra, Mahavishnu, dark as the kalaya blossom and above the Trimurtis, is mentioned as the Lord of all. It advised meditation on Pranava for the aspect of Brahman beyond name and form and meditation on Mahavishnu for the aspect of Brahman with name and form. In Puranasangraha which is the essence of all puranas, Mahavishnu is eulogised above all. In the Satyaloka, the abode of Trimurtis, the position of Vishnu is mentioned as above those of Brahma and Rudra.

The form revealed to Brahma by Mahavishnu during the Braahma Kalpa, as mentioned in the second canto of Srimadbhagavatam, is the one which is called by several names like Hari, Shiva and son. This is stated by sri Madhave, a staunch devotee of Siva. It is evident that he considered Mahavaishnu above all the other manifestation of Brahman. Eulogising Siva and putting him above Vishnu in Skanda and other puranas is for the purpose of not shaking the faith of those who, according to their innate nature, worship Shiva and firmly believe that Siva is the dispenser of the fruits of their actions. This is called Arthavaada.

Bhattathiri concludes this dasaka with the following sloka:

यत् किञ्चिदप्यविदुषापि विभो मयोक्तं

तन्मन्त्रशास्त्रवचनाद्यभिदृष्टमेव ।

व्यासोक्तिसारमयभागवतोपगीत!

क्लेशान् विधूय कुरु भक्तिभरं परात्मन् ॥९०.११॥

O Lord! Whatever little I, who am utterly ignorant, have said is as per the words of Mantra sastra only. O Lord of Guruvayoor who is eulogised in Bhagavata which is essence of whatever Vaysa has written ! fill me with devotion and remove my sufferings.

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VAMANAVATARA

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