Sankalpa Sooryodayam
Sankalpa Sooryodayam
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Introduction 1
Act 1 21
Act 2 45
Act 3 47
Act 4 48
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Act 5 51
Appendix
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Sankalpa SooryOdhayam (SSU) is an allegorical play in ten acts bequeathed to
us as Kula dhanam by Swamy Desikan. This play was created by Swamy Desikan
as a "rejoinder" to a play named the PrabOdha ChandrOdhayam by an egotistic
Advaithin named KrishNamisra. Swamy Desikan refuted soundly the views
advocated by Krishnamisra in his nAtakam, with six acts. Swamy Desikan
established the key tenets of VisishtAdhvaitha philosophy (Tatthva-hitha-
purushArTams) in SSU and blew away the views advocated by Krishnamisra in
his play. In this play consisting of ten acts, Swamy Desikan stresses that the
unfailing power of the will of Sriman NaarAyaNan (Bhagavath Sankalpam) is an
absolutely indispensable requirement to gain Moksham (freedom from the
cycles of births and deaths). Swamy Desikan instructed us further that a
SadAchAryan's intercession is a vital prerequisite for the bound jeevans
(Bhaddha Jeevans) drowning in the terror-striking ocean of SamsAram and to
shatter their bonds of Karma (PuNyams and Paapams).
Inside this Master play, we come across many padhyams (poems) from well
known previous works of Swamy Desikan that have been quoted to settle
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arguments on points of contest between Para Mathams and VisishtAdhvaitham.
For instance one finds the slOkams from Swamy Desikan such as Sri HayagrIva
SthOthram, SubhAshitha Neevi, YathirAja Sapthathi, Rahasya Thraya Saaram,
MeemAmsa PaadhukA, AbhIthi Sthavam, PaancharAthra RakshA, Taathparya
Chandrika, DasAvathAra SthOthram, YaadhavAbhyudayam, Abhaya PradhAna
Saaram, GopAla Vimsathy, Dayaa Sathakam, Dhramidopanishad Saaram, NyAsa
Tilakam, VaradarAja PanchAsath, NyAsa Vimsathy, SrI Sthuthi and Garuda
DaNDakam. The masterly interweaving of pramANams from many earlier Sri
Sookthis of his own (Svakeeya Bahu grantha slOkA:) by Swamy Desikan is a
most delectable revisit to them in a different context.
and Philosophy.
Sri UtthamUr Swamy has brilliantly captured the essence of SSU in his
introductionto his commentary on SSU:
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Tatthva-Hitha-PurushArTAn prathibhOdhya, mathAnthara dhOshamapi
sangrahENOdhgADya, MukthupAyE pravrutthim vidhAya, pravrutthi mArga
PravartanEna, Purushasya samsAra samudhra sammagnathA paadhakAnAm
Kaama-krodha-lObhAdheenAm dhambha-darpAdheenAsccha nirvartana
prakAram upadhisya, "SuddhEna hrudhayEna samuchitha-sTAnavisEshE,
SubhAsraya SrIVishNu roopa dhyAnEna nishpAdhitha bhakthi yOga: prasanna-
bhagavahyAkArithEna mOksha-sankalpAkhyEna SooryENOdhithEna nirastha-
tamaska: ParamE padhE Parama Purusha parama-sAmyam prApnOthi
itheemarTam visadham darsayathi".
(General Meaning):
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1. Lion among poets and Logicians,
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at the Lord's Supreme Abode of Sri Vaikuntham and enjoy ParipoorNa
BrahmAnandham there on a par with the Lord Himself.
This allegorical play is assembled in ten parts. The characters in the play are
not men and women but abstract qualities such as virtues and vices associated
with the human condition. This is a play to bring out the tatthvams of
VisishtAdhvaitham in the form of a drama. Swamy Desikan uses this naatakam
to reject the untenable doctrines of para mathams (Para Paksha nirasanam) as
he did in Paramatha bhangam and the establishment of the VisishtAdhvaitha
darsanam on firm grounds. The title chosen by Swamy Desikan for the play is
Sankalpa (Bhagavath Sankalpa= divine will) Soorya Udhayam (sun rise). It is thus
the udhayam or dawn of the Divine Will. As the SooryOdhayam takes place, the
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darkness of the troubling samsaaric night is chased away by the Divine Will of
the Omnipotent Lord. The ever present collision between the divine and the
demoniac forces provides the backdrop to this play. The mystery and majesty
of the divine attributes colliding with the demoniac forces and the ultimate
victory of the higher Self provides the theme of this play.
The central character in this play is the Purushan or Man. The eternal battle is
between the divine and the demoniac force contending for the prize of the
Purushan. The divine forces strive for the salvation of the Purushan and the
demoniac forces pull him ultimately to the mire of samsAram.
The practice of bhakti or prapatthi yOgam with the help of divine sankalpam
liberates man from the clutches of SamsAram and grants him Moksham.
Swamy Desikan portrays the conflict between the divine and demoniac forces
as the battle between two kings assisted by their armies. On one side of the
battle is the great king Viveka with his army. VivEka (discrimination) has a wife
with the name of Sumati (Good sense). The commander in chief of the good king
is VyavasAya (Effort). The dear friends of the queen are Sraddha (Faith) and
VicharaNa (Inquiry). On the opposite of the battle field is the demoniac forces
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led by another king with the name of Mahaa Mohaa (the great delusion) and his
wife, Durmathi (evil sense or Perversity of understanding). Mahaa Mohaa is
assisted by his aptly named followers and their spouses: Kaama (Sexual desires)
with his wife of Rati (enjoyment); KrOdha (anger), lobhaa (greed), dambhaa
(vanity), darpaa (pride/arrogance) with their matching spouses: Jighamsaa ( the
desire to kill), trishNaa (hankering), Kuhanaa (fraud), asooya (fault finding) et
al. The contention between these two forces provides the dynamics for this
naatakam. In this conflict, the Purushan learns from those, who are wiser than
him, rejects misleading darsanams and comes out victorious. Ultimately Saantha
rasam prevails. The mighty genius of Swamy Desikan as a poet and dramatist
brings these characters on the stage, lets them debate about the good and the
evil propensities and establishes finally the divine destiny of the Purushan. The
loud and clear upadEsam advocated by Swamy Desikan is that of
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GeethAchAryan to Arjuna in the battle field: "The divine destiny is deemed to
lead to liberation, the demoniac to bondage. Grieve not, Oh Arjuna, you are born
to a divine destiny sampadham dhaiveem abhijAthOsi)" – Gita 16.5
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Swamy Desikan on His Thirunakshathram day to His Lord's abode on Hasthigiri,
specific Sankalpa SooryOdhayam slOkams are recited to remind us of the
UpadEsams of Swamy Desikan on MokshOpAya anushtAnams and Sri
VaishNavite tenets on which those anushtAnams are based. AdiyEn will follow
that route and focus on individual slOkams adorning the ten acts of Sri
Sankalpa Sooryadhayam.
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The First angam of Sanklapa SuryOdhayam
SVAPAKSHA PRAKAASA
adiyEn will commence this series of SSU postings with the two "Naandhi
SlOkams", which serve as the Ranga Pooja for SSU (salutations to the stage on
which this Naatakam takes place). One of these two slOkams salutes the
MokshOpAyam of Bhakthi yOgam and the other pays its homage to Prapatthi
yOgam. Let us start with the two Naandhi slOkams (One for celebrating
Bhakthi yOgam and the other for Prapatthi yOgam for gaining Moksham thru
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their anushtAnams).
First comes the PrasthAvanA (i-e)., the section, where the "Natan" and his
female counterpart, "Nati" announce who is the author of the Naatakam and
where it is taking place and the actors involved in the play. Through their
conversations, they brief the audience on these topics as introduction. Next
follows the section of the play known as Vishkampam (i-e)., announcement on the
subject matter of the play through the cast (actors and actresses). This leads
to the next stage: the acting by actors.
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through the performance of Bhakthi or Prapatthi yOgam. According to these
anushtAnams, the one with discriminating and enlightened intellect (VivEkan)
will banish the timeless karmAs attached to him through the power of his
discriminative intellect (VivEkam) and adopt thereafter the upAyam of Bhakthi
or Prapatthi to assure Moksha siddhi. Swamy Desikan desired that the
suffering samsAris should know about this fundamental truth just as one can
clearly see the gooseberry fruit resting on their palms (uLLankai nellikkani pOl).
With this goal in mind, Swamy Desikan created the allegorical drama of
Sankalpa SooryOdhayam.
The representatives for these two categories are Kings VivEkan and MahA
Mohan, the two sons of the Jeevan. As long as the jeevan is under the control
of MahA Mohan, the father (the Jeevan) is enjoying the bitter fruits of
SamsAram and its sufferings (anishtam). The other son, VivEkan seeks the
relief from SamsAric sufferings for his father, the Jeevan. There is a war
between the two sons over control of the father's lot. At the end, VivEkan wins
and Jeevan gains Sadhgathi.
tatthvair-asthra-vibhUshaNair-adhigatha: svAdheena-nithyOnnathi:
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Meaning:
The embodied bhaddha (bound) Jeevan slumbers in the night of SamsAram and
is lost. For that Jeevan lost in the darkness of nescience, Sriman NaarAyaNan
blesses the sunrise (dawn) of His Sankalpam (will) to cause the maturation of
the upAyam of Bhakthi yOgam to chase away the darkness of the night that
enmeshed the Jeevan. Sriman NaarAyaNan has the eternally liberated souls
(nithyasooris) as tatthvams (weapons and jewelry on His body); these
nithyasooris are the abhimAni dEvathais for all the chEthanams (sentients) and
the achEthanams (insentients) of the world. May that Supreme Lord chase away
all of the obstacles and inauspiciousness that adiyEn would encounter in this
effort since He is the sole cause of this universe and its activities!
Comments:
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The First line:
"Yadh-bhakthi:" in the first line at the start of this Naandhi SlOkam; it refers
to the Bhakthi shown for Sriman NaarAyaNan (Yasmin NaarAyaNE Bhakthi:).
That has to grow and mature in the Jeevan (Yadh-bhakthi-prachayAthmakE).
Here Swamy Desikan is referring to the UpAyam for Moksham in the form of
Bhakthi yOgam, which is the cause and trigger for BhagavAn's anugraha
Sankalpam ("MokshArTa Sankalpa hEthum Bhakthi roopam upAyam aahu:").
Without the dawn of that benevolent sankalpam of the Lord, there will be no
Moksha Siddhi.
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Comments:
Comments on the 3rd and 4th Lines:
Swamy Desikan follows the VishNu PurANa slOkam, where all the weapons
(asthrai:) and the Jewelry (VibhUshaNai:) of the Lord are connected to the
appropriate Tatthvams: Jeevan (Kousthubham), Moola Prakruthi (Srivathsam),
JnAnam (the sword, Nandhakam), manas (Sudarsanam) et al. Therefore Sriman
NaarAyaNan is Sarva SEshi and eternal (SvAdheena NithyOnnathi).
May that Sriman NaarAyaNan get me across all obstacles and vignams as Sarva
KaaraNan!
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lakshyE yahthra sruthimithagiNAkrushti-labdhAvadhAnai:
Meaning:
When a Jeevan sets itself as the arrow on the bow of PraNavam (OmkAram)
and aims it at the target of Bhagavaan, that Jeevan shines as the divine
Kousthubham gem on His chest. There are similarities in GuNams between the
bhakthan, who aims the jeevan at the target and the skilled bowman. Both are
characterized by "Sruthimitha guNAkrushti labdhavAns" and are Sathyavaans.
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There are clever double meanings (slEsha SamathkAram) included by Swamy
Desikan. The same word has double meanings in the above slOkam passage. The
bowman (Bhakthan) will be strong and will pull the chord with arrow all the way
upto his ear. He will be pulled by the Bhagavath guNams as revealed by Sruthi
(Vedams) and will become deeply focused on BhagavAn and will be filled with
Satthva GuNam (Sruthimitha-guNAkrushti labdhavAn). There is also similarity
between the arrow and the Jeevan. The arrow has feathers (wings) and the
Jeevan has dharambhUtha Jn~Anam spreading like wings. The shooting of the
arrow at the target is nothing but the arpaNam of (laying of) the Jeevan at the
sacred feet of the Lord. May that ocean of Mercy (DayA dhugdha Sindhu),
Sriman NaarAyaNan (PadmAkAnthan) become every kind of wealth for You!
Comments:
The word "lakshyE" stands for aiming the arrow at the target for ishta PrApthi
(gaining the object of one's desire). In the previous slOkam dealing with
Bhakthi yOgam as UpAyam, one's own fulfillment of desire was sought (SrimAn
asthu Sa mE - - - NaarAyaNa:). Here, in the second slOkam focusing on
Prapatthi yOgam, the appeal to Sriman NaarAyaNan for Moksham is for all the
others (PadhmAkAntha: Sa bhavathu Sriyai: Va:). The difference is between
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"mE" and "Va:" in the two slOkams.
The Natan prays for the mangaLam for him (mE) as well as for the people (Va:)
in the audience. Bhakthi is for himself and the Prapatthi is done for others.
Through Svanishtai, One can perform Prapatthi for oneself.
Mundaka Upanishad is the pramANam for the analogy of bow, arrow and target:
After the two Naandhi (Ranga Poojaa) slOkams, the SoothradhAran (the
conductor of this drama) by name Vaiknunta VinOdhini appears on stage and
announces:
1. They stay at the dhivya dEsams of the Lord (Srirangam, Thirumala, Kaanchi,
ThirunArAyaNapuram, JagannAtham, PaaNDurangam et al) and take an
active part in the festivals and kaimkaryams for the Archaa Moorthys there.
2. With the dust from their sacred feet, they consecrate this earth;
3. they are on a par with the nithyasooris like AdhisEsha and VishvaksEnar;
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4. they are honored by all and are free from any blemishes;
5. they are abodes of all aathma guNams and conduct themselves in a manner
appropriate to their kulam, Jn~Anam and kaala-dEsa aachAram;
6. they are like the angry elephants in rut, when it comes to uprooting the
arguments of Veda BhAhyars and Kudhrushtis just like the pachyderm in a
field of plantain trees;
7. they are rich with their upaasanAs, aarAdhanam for the Lord and follow
either Bhakthi or Prapatthi maargam for Moksha Siddhi from their Lord;
8. BhagavAn worshipped by them has His sacred feet resting on the lotus
peetam, which are objects of aaratthi by the rays of gems positioned on the
crowns of prostrating dEvAs;
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9. this Lord of the SadAchAryAs has taken a dheekshai (vow) to protect those
performing SaraNAgathy at His feet;
10. that Lord observes His dharmams with Sri DEvi and is like the huge
assembly of clouds pouring down rain on the wild fire of samsAram.
The melodious gadhya vaakhyams used by Swamy Desikan to describe the Lord
and the travels of His SadAchAryans to His dhivya dEsams are lilting and are a
delight to the ears. Here is an example of the SuthradhAran saluting the dust
from the sacred feet of the SadAchAryans consecrating this earth through
their paadha dhULis: "--- --- chaDula- - charaNa - naLina - dhooLi- paDala-
pavithritha - kshamAtalai: -- -- --".
Their travel to the dhivya dEsams of the Lord is saluted this way: "-- --
Sriranga-Vrushagiri-Sathyavratha-Yadhugiri-PurushOtthama-PaaNDuranga
prabhrudhibhishu dhivyAbhi-vyakthi dEsushu yaTAbhimatha yAthrOthsava
sEvAhEvAka-vihitha-gathAgathA: -- --" The SuthradhAran identifies the
Sadaacharyans as experts in comprehending the esoteric meanings of
Upanishads and crown jewels among people populating all directions.
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Now SuthradhAran explains the command given to him by the AchAryAs:
They have ordered me to conduct the play (Naatakam) that will have the three
requisites:
1. To deflect the mind of the simple folks (lalitha manasAm), who have poor
control over their Sariram, manas and sufferings and attune them to enjoy
the blemishless ninth rasam (KaruNA rasam) instead of SrungAra, Veera and
other 7 rasams that they are used to and nourish them with that KaruNA/
Saantha rasam.
jananapadhaveejangalArthicchidhAnruguNeebhavann-
SutradhAran continues: "I have now taken the vow to follow the command of
AchAryAs (SaamarTya SatthvA:). My name is Vaikunta VinOdhindhini. I am the
son of SanthOsha - Paalakan, the King of dance, who is a disciple of the creator
of Bharatha Saasthram (Bharatha Muni). My father is like the lion against the
elephants of other naDaas. Our audience consists of VidhvAns, who have
assembled without any other distractions (VyApArAnthara ThyAgis) since this
play is for the realization of success in gaining (the vyApAram of) MOksha
Siddhi.
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The SoothradhAran continues: This sabhA consists of people, who have clear
knowledge about Naatya LakshaNams, Desi and Maargam; these rasikAs will not
turn their face towards evil. They appear like the DevathAs respected by
Bharatha Saasthram. [Naatyam is dance/play; Desi is acting based on the union
of speech, alankAram (decoration/make up) and appropriate mental state. Desi
is also made up of the movements corresponding to TaaLam (beat) without
bhAvam (emotion). Margam announces BhAvam].
Now the SutradhAran recites the fourth slOkam of Sri HayagrIva SthOthram
to seek Lord HayagrIvan's anugraham. The meaning of this slOkam has been
covered in:
http://www.sundarsimham.org/e-books.htm
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The 4th SlOkam of Sri HayagrIva StOtram is:
praj~nAdhrushtEranjana-SrIrapoorvA
Meaning:
The horse faced Lord of speech (Vaageesan) is indeed the avathAra roopam of
Para VaasudEvan of SrI Vaikuntam. He instructs Brahma Devan on VedAs and is
like the unique morning light (PrAtha: SandhyA) to drive away our inner
darkness. He is the matchless, sacred collyrium (anjanam) for revelation of
dhivya Jn~Anam. May This SubhAsraya ThirumEni of this incarnation of Para
VaasudEvan shine within and before me always!
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Next the SutradhAran recites a slOkam from Sri DasAvathAra SthOthram. In
the previous slOkam, the SutradhAran offered his salutations to Lord
HayagrIvan for jn~Anam relating to the conductance of the Naatakam; now, he
salutes Lord RanganAthan, the dEvathai for the Naatyam/Naatakam, who
performs the ten kinds of avathAra naatyam:
Meaning:
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Lord RanganAthan takes ten actor's roles through His ten incarnations and is
enjoyed by the rasikAs of Srirangam. In each of His avathArams (abhinayams)
as Vyuha Moorthy, VibhavaavathAran, Devan, Human and animal, His Devi takes
on a matching form and performs His kaimkaryams in a matching manner and
enjoys the leela rasam of such avathArams. May that Lord of Srirangam confer
on us all auspiciousness!
Now the SuthradhAran appears in a meditative pose for the duration of one
muhUrtham and becomes joyous and states:
I have now been drenched by the daya-laden glances of the Svatantra dhaivam,
which has all tatthvams under its control; That bhAgyam is a direct result of
adiyEn's worship of that dhaivam. He completes a final salutation to the Lord
and declares his intention regarding the conductance of the Naatakam.
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Meaning:
I will give first place to the doctrines of Jn~Anis using King VivEkan as firm
support and discover the path for the Naatakam that has been made fragrant
with Upanishads, Brahma Soothram and Sri BhAshyam.
Now the SutradhAran turns his face towards the actor's dressing rooms and
says: "Oh honorable Nadi (Actress)! May this sacred stage be accepted by you
with affection."
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Act 1
SSU is in 10 acts. Swamy Desikan instructs us that "the Supreme Power of the
Divine Will (Bhagavath Sankalpa) is an absolute must "to gain Moksha Siddhi".
Swamy Desikan reminds us that the souls suffering in SamsAric world due to
their bonds of karmAs (Paapams and PuNyams as the iron and golden fetters)
must seek the intercession of their AchAryAs to overcome their sufferings.
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(Jealousy), Dambhan (Boasting) and Stambhan (iRumAppu).
MahA Mohan's mission is to prevent the Jeevans from following the paths of
Prapatthi and Bhakthi to gain Moksha Sukham. Mahaa Mohan wants to use
Kaamam, KrOdham to create ruchi for the jeevans in nonlasting bhOgams so
they will stray away from pursuit of the eternal joy of Moksham (Freedom from
the cycles of births and deaths). MahA MOhan hates VivEka Mahaa Raajaa, who
has attributes and goals that are diametrically opposite to that of Mahaa
MOhan. At one point, Mahaa Mohan says to his wife, Dhurmathi that he does
not want the golden Meru Mountain, the silver KailAsa Mountain, the 18
dhveepams (Islands) or the entire worlds. Mahaa Mohan confides that his
coveted wish is instead to destroy VivEka Raajaa so that the jeevans will wallow
in Kaamam, Krodham, Madha, Maathsaryam et al. VivEka Mahaa Raajaa stands
for the forces of good that helps the Jeevans to follow the path of Prapatthi
yOgam or Bhakthi yOgam to gain Moksham.
One interesting point in SSU is that women characters like Sumathy speak in
PrAkrutham. Most of us are familiar only with the Praakrutham Sri Sookthi of
Swamy Desikan named Sri Achyutha Sathakam. There Swamy Desikan assumed
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the form of Venkata Naayaki, who is enchanted by Lord DevanAthan's dhivya
soundharyam and speaks to Him in Praakrutham language reserved for women
and children. Here, following that tradition, Swamy Desikan formats the
speeches of Sumathy in Praakrutham. Here is a sample of Sumathy's speech in
Prakrutham with the Sanskrit equivalent in paranthesis:
Here Sumathy asks: " When does the occasion arise for the Jeevan to gain
Moksham?".
SSU(1/19/05)
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Meaning:
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a orderly manner. These jeevans are the specially blessed ones (Kruthina:), who
climb the steps one by one (KramENa adhiruhya)). They become Kruthina:
(BhAgyasaalis) by practising/acquiring "Preethiroopa SravaNa Manana upAsana
niranthara-dhyAna, darsana samanAkAra Jn~Anam". Today adiyEn will cover the
last KaalakshEpam highlights of Srimath Azhagiya Singar (slOkams 76-85) and
the prose passage in between during the conversation between Sumathy and
her husband, VivEka Mahaa Raajan.
ARAMBHAM
RaajA: Oh dear one, who speaks without deceit (Visuddha bhAshiNi)! Please
listen to this brief summary (SookshmArTa Sangraha:).
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SlOkam 76:
Madha-matsara-maanamaya: pumAn
Bahu-pisAsa-gruheetha ivArbhaga:
nipuNapaddhathim abhyavapadhyathE
Meaning:
Purushan is like a child possessed by the many goblins (PisaasukaL) with the
names of desire (raagam), hate (dhvEsham), haughtiness (garvam) et al. He
arrives in that sad state at the city known as Vedham, where Sarva
JeevEswaran resides and presides. This Supreme Lord is a great Vaidhyan
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(Doctor). When SarvEswaran's glances fall on this Purushan (Jeevan), then the
Jeevan will be rid off the tormenting goblins and return to the sampradhAyic
path.
Here the Jeevan is compared to "Bahu PisAsa gruheetha arbhakan". The Lord is
saluted as "Nigama siddha NarEndhran". The Saasthraic way (raaja Maargam
and not otthai paathai) is described as "nipuNa paddhathi".
SlOkam 77:
The next slOkam covers the happening after the JaayamAna KaDAksham of the
Lord falls on the struggling Jeevan:
anaga-dEsika-dhrushti-sudhAplavE
pariNamanthy apavarga-dasAnkuraa:
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Meaning:
When the KaruNA katAksham falls on the Jeevan, then it gets drenched in the
nectar of Dayaa of the faultless AchAryan and the sprouts for Moksham like
blemishless Jn~Anam, control of Indhriyams, sprout forth.
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the situation of those who have been blessed with AchArya anugraham to
perform upAya anushtAnam (Prapatthi/Bhakthi yOgam).
In the next slOkam (78th), the focus is on upAya siddhi from the completion of
the anushtAnam.
SlOkam 78:
Meaning:
On reaching Svargam due to PuNyams, the Jeevan develops the fear that it will
fall down to samsAra lOkam at the end of spending its puNyams. That is the
horror of finiteness of Svarga vaasam. KsheeNE puNyE adhO gathi (downward
descent at the end of the using up of accumulated PuNyams). Eihikia phalams
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lead to Svargam. There he enjoys the bhOgams. Now the fear (bheethi) takes
over about losing them (bhOgams) at the end of expending the puNyams and
knows that he has no control (asvaadheenam) over the consequent descent to
SamsAram. Various ropes of Vaasanais (residual effects of karmAs) pull the
jeevan (dhurvAsanaa paasAkarshaNam) hither and thither. He struggles
valiantly. He is helpless and befuddled. At this time of distress, due to bhAgya
visEsham of AchArya anugraham and the uninterrupted flow of the nectarine
dayaa of AchAryan generate bhakthi to Parabrahmam (Bhakthi yOgam sprouts).
For these Bhakthi yOga nishtAs, the next happening is the performance of the
Yaagam of Aathma SamarpaNam at the sacred feet of the Lord. AchArya
KaruNA is equated here to "NishprathyUha vijrumbhamANa KaruNaa" (Tadai
illAthu surakkum karuNai). The jeevan that is immersed in that milky ocean
(dhugdhArNavam) due to bhAgyam is equated to one without any burden
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Today adiyEn will cover the last KaalakshEpam highlights of Srimath Azhagiya
Singar (slOkams 79-80) covering the conversation between Mahaa RaaNi
Sumathy and her husband, VivEka Mahaa Raajan.
SlOkam 79:
Meaning:
Myself (VivEkan) will become Yajamaanan of this Yaj~nam with You (Sumathy)
as my dharma pathni. The guNams like Samam and dhamam will become the
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officiating priests (Rthviks). Without seeking any Phalan, this havis of AathmA
will be presented to the Lord in this Yaj~nam. As a result, the handcuffs of
karmAs will break and the Bhaddha Jeevan will become free to gain Moksham.
The Jeevan becomes the adhikAri in this Yaj~nam of aathma-svaroopa
SamarpaNam through the overcoming of dEhAthma Bramam and knowing about
the Sesha-sEshi relationship (Aathmaa-paramAthmA vivEkam). Here the bound
Pasu is the Bhaddha Jeevan. AathmA is the havis. The target (uddhEsyam) for
this aathma havis Yaj~nam is the Supreme Lord, the owner of that aathmA. The
handcuffs of karmAs are broken (Vigalath karma nigala:) and the aathmaa
reaches the state of Mukthi (Mukthim Bhajathi/Mukthi sTAnam prApnOthi).
idham api athra bhavathyA bhAvaneeyam (You must now understand this as
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well). He addresses his wife with respect by choosing the term, BhavathyA:
(BhavathyA: bhAvaneeyam).
SlOkam 80:
svaraakshaNa-bharArpaNa-kshaNika-sathriNa:
jagath-viparivarthana-praTitha-nithyasakthi: svayam
Meaning:
Here, the general aathma samarpaNam was described. Now for those, who do
not have the power to perform the rigorous and demanding Bhakthi yOgam,
there is a Sathram (Yaagam), which is the handing over the burden of one's
rakshaNam (RakshaNa Bharam) to the Lord Himself (Bhara SamarpaNam). This
is a Yaagam that can be performed in a KshaNam (second). Rakshaa Bhara
samarpaNam and Phala SamarpaNam from that raksha should also be placed at
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the sacred feet of the Lord with prayers and MahA viswAsam in Him as the
unfailing protector.
Until now, one vyAjam/upAyam for Mukthi (Bhakthi yOgam) was mentioned.
Now, another VyAjam/UpAyam (VyAjAntharam) is referred to for gaining
Moksha Siddhi (MumukshumAthra-saamAnyam SvaroopAdhi SamarpaNam). This
is "SvarakshaNa-bhara-samarpaNam" that could be completed in one second
(little time). This Yaj~nam is approved by the VedAs (VedOktha Sathram). This
is therefore "Vaidhiki NishtA". This can be completed in a trice and is capable
of destroying all sins on anushtAnam (Sarva paapa vimOchaNam).
Here, Sumathy asks the question: When does Jeevan arrive at Moksha Dasai?
VivEkan answered that one should not expect it happen instantaneously and
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that dasai (occasion) will come, when the Saasthra Jn~Anam and Yukthi are
united.
This was followed by SlOkam 81, which was covered in the previous posting. In
this slOkam, the one who desires moksham (Mumukshu) should climb on the
steps of the ladder representing Bhagavath dayaa, which was revealed by
blemishless SadAchAryAs. The climb by the lucky one should be step by step to
reach Paramapadham of the Lord, which is totally devoid of any RajO or TamO
guNams (Suddha Satthvamayam).
Now, VivEkan anticipates the question from Sumathy: will LeelA Devi make that
climb happen?
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Meaning:
SlOkam 83:
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Madhuripu-dayaamoorthyr-dhivyaa nirAkruthakaNDakaa
Meaning:
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Now Sumathy asks: Oh VivEka Mahaa Raajaa! It is so pleasing to hear your
words. It is however looks like a descptive utterance made to children, since it
is hard to believe that the Jeevan bent under the back-breaking weight of its
karmAs can lift itself out of its ocean of sorrow and arrive at Sri Vaikuntam. It
all sounds very sweet to hear (ukthAvath athyantha maadhuryam); in practise
however, it is impossible to accomplish (anushtAnE athyantha kaDuthvam).
VivEka Mahaa Raajaa sighs and is incredulous about his wife's statement. He
responds: Oh Auspicious wife (BhadrE)! You are known for rejecting things that
actually exist! Do not be influenced by false visions! Have You ever come across
an instance, where Vedam touts untruth? Have You ever heard that the Lord
has changed his mind about the vow that he undertook to protect His bhaktha
janams? How can I grow your faith in what I said earlier? Let me try to
convince you about the mahimai of the sanklapam of MurAri (slOkam 84):
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Slokam 84
ahamkAragrAha-graha-kadhanasAkrandha tanubrun-
Oh Sumathy! I swear on You, my dear one! I swear on all acts performed with
faith that are unseen (adhrushtam)! You yourself can witness the glories of
Bhagavath Sankalpam (the will of the Lord). May you awaken from the sleep and
open your eyes! The attachment to the ahankAram linked to dEhAthma
abhimAnam is the crocodile that caught hold of the leg of the GajEndhran in
that lotus pond. That ahankAram is the one that sinks the unfortunate ones in
the ocean of samsAram. It is the soulful cry about being grabbed by that
ahankAram and the manifestation of intense desire to gain moksham will lead
one to see in action, the Lord's sankalpam to rush to respond. One can
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experience the haste (paraparappu) of the Lord's Sankalpam. Is it fair to close
one's eyes and say that the object does not exist?
Comments:
One who argues that there is BhAgyam by pursuing some thing noble and
auspicious such as the subha karmaa of Prapatthi and believes in the the power
of the Sankalpa Sakthi of the Lord is Dhaishtikan. He is a Mumukshu (one
desirous of Moksham) and cries out loud about the pain caused by
dEhAthmAbhimAna ahankAram that has caught hold of his leg and is making
him sink deeper into the samsAric ocean. He cries out for BhagavAn's
protection.
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her eyes and see the truth. He says that BhagavAn's sankalpam to protect the
SaraNAgathan at all times and places and at all costs will not fail.
We will cover now the last section of the most recent KaalakshEpam highlights
of Srimath Azhagiya Singar (slOkams 85) covering the conversation between
Mahaa RaaNi Sumathy and her husband, VivEka Mahaa Raajan.
Slokam 85
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Meaning:
Srivaikuntam and serve the Lord there without returning to the SamsAric
world ever again.
Comments:
Swamy Desikan states here that every one is eligible to perform SaraNAgathy
anushtAnam to receive the protection of the powerful and compassionate Lord.
He cites the stories of Sages, Kings, animals that proved the power of
SaraNAgathy. First Swamy Desikan cites the Moola Purushar for His gothram:
Sage ViswAmithrar. Swamy belonged to ViswAmithra gOthram. The Thrisangu
Svargam incident is what Swamy Desikan has in mind here. Next, he cites the
KapOtha vrutthAntham, where a female dove offered its body as food and
threw itself into fire to satisfy the hunger of the hunter and his family; this is
followed by salutation to the magnificent VibhIshaNa, Naalijanga, Bruhaspathy
and other SaraNAgahthys to illustrate the varieties of Jeevans, who were
beneficiaries of the Lord's mercy through their SaraNAgathys. In the 85th
slOkam of the First act, Swamy Desikan explained to us the ancient nature of
SaraNAgathy and its unfailing power. Now we start with the question of VivEka
MahaarAjA's wife, Sumathy.
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Sumathy: The Mumukshus (those who desire Moksham) worship gods like
Brahma Devan. In that case, why do we cite Sriman NaarAyaNan as the sole
UpAyam and UpEyam for Moksham?
RaajA: Oh Dear One, who is able to grasp the intricate tatthvams! Lord
Madhusoodhanan's greatness can not be shared by anyone. There is none, who is
equal or Superior to Him.
Slokam 86
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udanyAm prALEyai: upasamayithum vaanchati JaDa:
Meaning:
The durable Bhakthi to the Supreme Being alone releases one from the dangers
arising from the sins. This Supreme Being is responsible for the creation of
every thing starting from a blade of grass (small) to the mighty Brahma Devan.
Those who seek other gods for Moksham are fools, who are comparable to
those, who wish to quench their thirst by consuming dew.
This Supreme Being exists even before creation (during PraLayam too) and
destroys our Paapams: "PoorvOsmAth SarvasmAth; sarvAn paapmana oushath".
His Supermacy is "Sarva Paapa Naasana- roopArTa Parathvam". Worshipping
others for Moksham will be fruitless (Nishphalam). Such an act is like drinking
dew (Hima = udhanyaa) instead of water for quenching one's thirst.
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AaBadhnathee vigatha-saanthim anAdhi-nidhrAm
Meaning:
The enduring and ancient darkness of ajn~Anam created in the jeevans by the
thriguNa maayaa sakthi will be removed only by the power of the Sankalpa
Soorya Vaibhavam of the NarakAsura SamhAri, our Supreme Lord.
The will (sankalpam) of the assembly of demigods (dEva gaNA:) is like the
images of Sooryan painted on the wall, which is powerless to banish the
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Sumathy: Oh Raajaa! I agree that the Noble one, who is the Creator of this
world is the sole grantor of Moksham. Even the devAs stumble on determining
that Parama Purushan. How does one conclude that it is Sriman NaarAyaNan?
VivEka RaajA: Devi! This determination about Sriman NaarAyaNan being the
sole-grantor of Moksham is arrived at from a deep understanding of the
doctrines enshrined in Smruthi and PurANams aimed at explaining the Veda
manthrams and Upanishads. The conversation between the Queen (Sumathy) &
the King (VivEkan) continues:
Sumathy: Oh Raajaa! I agree that the Noble one, who is the Creator of this
world, is the sole grantor of Moksham. How do you prove that PurushOtthaman
is the only One, who is the Supreme Being?
Now Swamy Desikan uses a slOkam from Srutha PrakAsikai of Sri Sudarsana
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Soori (Commentator of Sri BhAshyam of AchArya RaamAnuja) to illustrate how
the determination of the Supermacy of Sriman NaarAyaNa is made with the
help of Smruthi, PurANams and Upanishads as PramANams:
Meaning:
A concordant trinity group (triad) is: Vedam, Vipran (BrAhmaNan) and Kesavan
(The Lord). Kesavan is the meaning of the VedAs. The pramANams are VedAs.
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BrahmaNAs are embodiments of Satthva guNam. Together, these three (Noble
Veda-Vipra-Kesava group) are called a Raasi (Veda-Vipra-Kesavaika Raasi). They
form a unified whole (yEkamithi roopa-kaaryaanupravEsam) and hence are
referred to as a Raasi unit or entity. While this powerful Raasi is on our side to
establish the Parathvam of our Lord, what is the need for other things, which
are comparable to the worms without any skills?
Comments:
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In the next slOkam (89th), the churning of the VedAs and SaasthrAs with the
help of the unassailable yukthis (reasoning) is arrived at and the irrefutable
conclusion is that there is no one equal or superior to Kesavan (na dhaivam
KesavAth Param) is summarized:
Meaning:
Veda VyAsar and His father Sage ParAsarar assessed all the SaasthrAs
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This is the path travelled by the Great ones. These enlightened ones instruct us
to travel in that noble path shown by Sages ParAsara and VyAsa (MahAjanO
yEna gatha: Sa PanTaa ithi cha Maharshi bhAshitham). Oh Sumathy! You can see
that now for yourself.
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Meaning:
Tarkam is not selected, when trying to find the meanings of Veda manthrams.
(For understanding Vedam and Upanishads, however, VyAkaraNa and NyAya
Saasthrams have to be learnt). Confusion also arises, when Vedic passages are
not subjected to vichAram. The statements of Rishis will many times be
inconsistent. Therefore the Tatthva Jn~Anam will be hidden in the cave of
knowledge beyond access by us. However much one tries on his own, it is not
easy to develop Tatthva Jn~Anam about who is the Supreme Being. One has to
follow the path travelled by MahAns (SishtAs) to find and benefit from the
difficult to access the hidden treasure of Tatthva Jn~Anam. The travel in the
path laid out by the MahAns of yore will yield the results without fail just as
the Sun rises every day unfailingly in the East.
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Viveka RaajA announces now, Who these MahAns are. He points out that these
path revealers are Sages VyAsa, VaalmIki, Manu, Bruhaspathy, Sukha, Sounaka
and others who followed them. The progenitor of such assembly of MahAns is
indeed Sage ParAsarar, father of Sage VyAsa and the creator of Sri VishNu
PurANam. What Sage ParAsarar established (ParadEvathA Paaratantryam-
Determination on Who is the Supreme One) in Sri VishNu PurANam -- the
loftiest among Saathvika PurANam--alone is enough for our reference as a
helper in traveling on the road to Tatthva Jn~Anam. VivEkan salutes Sage
ParAsara thru the 91st slOkam for that gift:
We do not need too many MahAns to help us. Sage ParAsarar alone, who
granted the entire world the great gift of revealing the path to Moksham, is
adequate for us. He established without doubt the Supremacy of Sri VishNu
NaarAyaNan as the sole Moksham-grantor.
Sumathy is pleased with the UpadEsam and asks: Oh Aarya Puthra (worshipful
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One)! Your response is unquestionable. May I request you to take into
consideration the needs of those, who do not have the intellectual power to
analyze the various pramANams to arrive at the truth (Lord NaarAyaNan is the
Muktha Pradhan) and summarize briefly for their benefit the determinations of
the Sages at the end of their lengthy deliberations? Queen Sumathy has us in
mind as the chEthanams, who do not have the skills or patience to research on
VedAntha tatthvams (NigamAntha NiroopaNa viLamBa asahyamAnasya), and are
in hurry (tvaramANa hrudhayasya) to benefit from these truths.
This then is the VedAntha Saaram and NigamAntha NiroopaNam. I will reveal it
now (Tadhidham pradarsayAmi):
sva-sankalpOpagna thrividha-chidhachid-vasthu-vithathi:
Meaning:
There is only One Supreme Being, who has the three kinds of sentient and
insentient entities under His will (Sva-sankalpa upagna chidhachith vasthu
vithathi:). The three kinds of chEtanam (sentients) are: Bhaddha, Muktha,
Nithya Jeevans. The three kinds of achEtanams (insentients) are: Kaalam,
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Prakruthi and Suddha Sathvam. He is the One, who grants the four kinds of
goals of life (PurushArTams = PumarTan) and is the place of origin for them
(PumarTAnAmEka: Svayamiha chathurNAm prasavabhU:). This eternal Lord of
Sri DEvi is the path of all subhams and just as all rivers reach ultimately reach
the Ocean, all worships reach Him only at the end and He is the grantor of
desired Phalans and every thing reaches its layam in Him. He is Sarva Karma
SamArAdhyan. He is Sarva Phala-pradhan.
Subhastath-Sankalpas-chulakayathi samsArajaladhim
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avidhyA-vEthAleemathy patathy manthrENa Purusha: - - - -> 93rd SlOkam
Meaning:
VivEkan now tells his queen that this is the condensed message for the benefit
of those, who might have limited awareness of Saasthrams (Samitha mathy) and
will serve as "Chittha samAdhAna hEthu" (comfort to their minds).
39
VivEka Mahaa RaajA continues now with the disservice done by those
Kudhrushtis, who cover themselves with the mantle of Vedam; they make the
appearance of criticizing the Budhdists and the Jains and are fit to be called
pseudo-Boudhdaas (Prachanna BhouddhAs). They call themselves however as
VaidhikAs.
dhrutha-nigama-kavacha-gooDA kaNDam
chalayanthy sougathAdheen
Meaning:
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Some with distorted visions wear Vedam as their shield and pretend to criticize
Veda-bhAhya mathams (the Buddha and Jaina Mathams), which do not accept
Vedam as PramANam. Meanwhile, they covertly subscribe to them as
Pracchanna BhouddhAs. In fact, the doctrines of the BhouddhAs and those who
feign to criticize them are not far apart. They put on the garb of Vedam to
mislead VaidhikAs. The Knowledgeable VedAnthis with sharp intellect (Vipula
Mathy) have refuted in detail the views of these Kudhrushti mathams, which
state that the Lord has no Roopam and has no Naamam and that the Supreme
Being is NirvisEsha Brahmam. How can avidhyA based NirvisEsha Brahmam
grant Moksham to any one? In these matters, both the succinct statement on
Tatthva-Hitha -PurushArtham outlined earlier (in the 92nd slOkam) as well as
the detailed refutations of the VedAnthins will become handy for appropriate
occasions for usage by the VidhvAns (VidhushAm SamayOchitham).
Now, Sumathy expresses her fear: My Lord! You have said it well (Sushtu
bhaNitham, Aryaputhra). It makes me however shudder, when I think of the
Maharishis, who distorted the VedAs for creating their own Mathams such as
Kapila Smriti (known for its irreverence to VedAs). This situation reminds me
of the one, where the thieves stole the cows needed for the Yaagam and ran
40
away with them.
VivEka RaajA now comforts his wife and asks her not to fear and says:
aviluptha-parigraha-smruthisathaikakaNtee Sruthi:
Meaning:
The Vedam will announce its meaning in one voice with the help of the thousands
of Maharishis, whose statements are not disputed. For giving the true meaning
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of the VedAs, the SaankhyAdhi Smruthis (like Kapila Smruthis) are totally
irrelevant and are not resorted to even in one's dreams. These were created by
those, who do not believe in the true meanings of the Vedams, while they came
up with their own Vedic meanings to suit their needs. These Kutarka mathams
resulted thereform. They are rejected, when Upanishads are used to give the
true meaning of Vedams with the help of Tarkam (free from enmity to Vedam
and Saasthram). Vaidhika, Sudhruda Tarkam is used for Paramatha KaNDanam
(refuting kudhrushti mathams based on Kutarkam).
Slokam 96
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KamsEna prabhu: UgrasEna iva na: kaarAgruhE sTApitha:
Meaning:
MahA Mohan has incarcerated our Moola Purushan (Jeevan). Kamsan placed his
own father, UgrasEnar in prison because he felt that his own advancement was
obstructed. Kamsan did not develop the fear that he will be destroyed by his
cruel act. MahA Mohan's act is similar to that of Kamsan. The merciful
KrishNan with the help of His brother BalarAman destroyed Kamsan and
released UgrasEnar from the prison for the welfare of the world. Similarly, the
famous VivEka RaajA is going to realize the release of the Jeevan from MahA
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Mohan's prison, help the Muktha Jeevan in every way and restore its wealth.
VivEkan now hears with joy the announcement by the Asareeri Vaak. He says:
"Oh Sumathy, My dear! we are hearing the asareeri Vaak, which is like
apourushEya Vedam, which can not ever be false!
Sumathy: My Lord! The Aasreeri Vaak is that of the celestials (DevAs). It will
never turn out to be untrue.
SlOkam 97
ripugaNa-vijigheeshA-BhindhulEsOapyasou mE
MadhujidhanujigrushA-vaahinee-vardhitAthmA
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YathigaNa-BahumAnyam yathra santhAna vruksham
Meaning:
The desire in me to win over the enemy (MahA Mohan) may be small in size now
(like a drop) but it will grow immensely and become a flood due to the power of
the glances of Madhusoodhanan falling on me and will irrigate the SanthAna
Kalpaka tree known as the effort for Moksha siddhi. That tree will become
stronger and yield the fruit of Moksham (Mukthi).
Both the King and the Queen hear now the sound of big drums (Dundhubhi
Dhvani) in the air. They are overjoyed.
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Kulapathy MokshaNOthsava Mrudhanga kaTA kadhA
taTApi yugAnta-bhavathsthanayithnunibhakaNitha:
Meaning:
Arya Puthra! What is the significance of this celestial dhvani? How come this
Mrudhanga Naadham arises now, while our Kulapathy is still held in MahA
Mohan's prison? Should not You win over the enemy first? The battle with
MahA Mohan has not yet started. The elephants of the opposing army have not
assembled yet in battle formation. The Lion that destroys the Kutarka,
Kudhrushti Matha elephants (KavitArkika Simham, Swamy Desikan) has not
joined us. This welcome sound of Dhundhubhi would only be appropriate at that
time. Yet, the sound of the drum is spreading in all directions and resembles
the sound heard during the great deluge.
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Oh Dear One! This Deva Dhundhubhi Naadham is for stimulating/encouraging us
to engage in the victorious war. Let us now establish the doctrines of our
Matham (Svapaksha sTaapanam) and chase away the Kudhrushti mathams.
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Act 2
PARA-PAKSHA PRATHIKSHEPAM
During his life time, Swamy Desikan(1268-1369 CE) wanted so very much to
have had the bhAgyam of being a direct sishyan to Bhagavath RaamAnuja (1017-
1137 CE). Swamy Desikan was not born by the time AchArya RaamAnuja had
ascended to SrI Vaikuntam.
There has been a gap of 251 years between their births. Swamy Desikan
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fulfilled this wish of being a direct sishyan of Bhagavath RaamAnuja by
creating a position for him as an Acharyan for him in the second angam and had
ample opportunities to clear his doubts as Bhagavath RaamAnujA’s direct
sishyan in this angam. There are Six characters in this angam: Sradhda (Faith)
and Vicharana(inquiry), the two companions of Queen Sumathy, King VivEka
(Discriminating intellect) and his commander in chief, VyavasAya (application of
human effort), AchArya as SiddhAntha (RaamAnuja, the right doctrine) and
Sishya as Vaadha (Swamy Desikan as the debater/disciple).
In the first scene, the two companions bump into each other in the queen’s
garden and inquire about the reason for the visit there. Sraddha says that she
is there to collect flowers for the queen to be offered in her husband’s worship
of the Lord for success in his ensuing debates with members of the other
schools of thought. Vicharana briefs Sraddha that she is there to meet the
commander in chief of the king (VyavasAya) and give the confidential message
of her queen that Mahaa Mohaa (rival king) had ordered atheists, agnostics and
apostates to confuse the jeevan and steer the jeevan to the wrong mathams.
After a few exchanges they conclude that Mahaa Mohaa’s attempt to defeat
Viveka is doomed to fail.
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In the second scene, king Viveka and his commander in chief meet in a palace
hall to take stock of things accomplished in the battle with Mahaa Mohaa and
the remaining work to be done to defeat latter. The king despairs over the
onslaught of Mahaa Mohaa with the help of atheists, agnostics and heretics to
mislead the jeevan. VyavasAya comforts the king by pointing out that the
VedAnthic knowledge has been imparted to the jeevan and the remaining work
to instill faith in the Jeevan. The king feels that there is a pressing need for an
AchAryan to establish the right doctrine (SiddhAntha).
In the third scene, SiddhAntha and Vaadhaa enter as Guru and sishyaa. The
Acharyan blesses the Sishyan and honors him with a pavithram (ring of kuSaa
grass) for his battle against kudhrushtis and kumatis (Paramatha Vaadhis).
Sishya falls at the sacred feet of his AchAryaa and states that even a little
understanding of SrI BhAshyam (AchAryA’s magnum opus among his nine Sri
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sookhis) would protect one against atheism and Veda BhAhya matams. The
sishyan then asks three questions about the relationship between the Jeevan
and Iswaran and the truth about the Jeevan’s independence and freedom to
act (SvAtantaryam, Karthruthvam). Acharya answers these questions and
removes the doubts of the sishyan, who in turn is full of praise for the
compassionate AchArya. The Acharya gives direction to the sishya about the
way to defeat the Para matha vaadhis touting incorrect views that can not be
sustained.
The king and his commander in chief join the AchArya and sishyaa now and ask
questions about defeating the contending mathams like Saankya, YogaachAram,
KaNaata, Bhouddham in all its various forms and atheists. The king with the
permission of AchArya honors the sishyaa with a golden anklet for all his
kaimkaryams to Bhagavath RaamAnuja SiddhAntham. The pleased AchArya now
advises the sishyan to defend and nurture the ancient VisishtAdhvaitha
darsanam and to teach it to pupils without coveting fame or wealth.
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Act 3
This chapter deals with the commencement of the adoption of the upAyam
(means) for Moksham. The two ministers of the rival king Mahaa Mohaa, Raagaa
(desire) and DvEshaa (Hatred), boast that Purushan (individual Self) is caught
in their net and Purushan will not attain mOksham. While they boast thus, they
learn that two other companions of queen Sumati, Virakti and VishNu bhakti,
have escaped from their net and are fleeing towards their king, VivEka. Now,
Raaga and DhvEshaa are filled with sorrow over their failed efforts.
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Meanwhile, Queen Sumathi fears about the lot of Purushan and worries about
Purushan being led astray by the servants of Mahaa Mohaa. King Vivekaa
comforts his distressed queen that the Lord will not let anyone down, who has
taken refuge in Him. The King talks about a number of Moksha VirOdhis such as
Bhagavath-BhAgavatha apachArams that a Purushan has to avoid in his journey
to gain mOksham. At this time, another minister of Mahaa Mohaa by the name
of Samvriti Satya arrives at king VivEkaa’s court.
Samvriti Satya is one, who considers the world to be unreal. The message sent
by Mahaa Mohaa was his offer to forgive VivEkaa for his "offense" of
preaching about Faith to worship the Lord, if VivEkaa stops such activities.
Mahaa Mohaa wants VivEkaa to preach instead the practice of asking the Lord
for the blessings of worldly pleasures.
VivEkaa acknowledges the receipt of Mahaa Mohaa’s message and sends back
his own response in the form of rejection of that message and banishing of
Kaama and Krodhaa.
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Act 4
Manamthan and his dear friend Vasanthan enter the stage. They compliment
each other about their power to alter the mind set of gods, sages and human
beings with the sugar cane bow of Manmathan and the flower arrows of
Vasanthan. The desire aroused by Manmathan’s (Kaaman’s) pushpa BhANams on
the targeted victims and their impact on their erstwhile equilibrium are
recalled in the context of the fight that is going to ensue between King VivEkan
and Mahaa Mohan. Kaaman has moments of doubt whether he will win over the
formidable King Vivekan. Vasanthan comforts Kaaman and assures him that the
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heroic deeds of Kaaman are celebrated ones and Kaaman should not harbor any
self doubts. Vasanthan blesses Kaaman for success on his upcoming campaign to
defeat VivEkan. At this point, another close friend of Kaaman by the name of
KrOdhan (anger) struts onto the stage. He is hideous to look at. He is mighty
angry at the very thought of VivEkan winning over his friend Kaaman by the
power of his VairAgyam (dispassion). Kaaman welcomes his friend and his offer
of timely support in the battle against VivEkan. Vasanthan chimes in and states
that the combination of Kaaman with KrOdhan (Kaama-KrOdham) is a
formidable one like the union of fire and the wind and no foe anywhere can
overcome that combined power. Vasanthan known for his skill in acting quickly
at the right time (Kaala SirOmaNi/KaalOchitha kaarya prathisandhAyakan) goes
in the front, Kaaman follows with his charged bow and KrOdhan takes care of
the defense from the rear. They march in that order. They carry on with a
light banter about their previous conquests to chase away the trepidations
about their upcoming war with a Yogi like VivEkan.
Between Vasanthan’s doubts and KrOdhan’s boasts, Kaaman gets caught and
encourages Vasanthan to pull himself together and not feel disheartened.
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Vasanthan concedes that the combination of Kaaman and Krodhan is a
formidable vyUham and observes that it will be good to have some more
reinforcement. At this time Lobhan (greed), a mighty minister of Mahaa Mohan
shows up. He has been sent by Mahaa Mohan to help Kaaman and Krodhan.
Kaaman welcomes Lobhan and comments that Lobhan is well known for
destroying dharmam (righteousness) fully and therefore is a great asset for
the campaign. Lobhan arrives along with his wife ThrushNai (hankering).
Vasanthan assesses the union of Kaaman, KrOdhan and Lobhan as the awesome
combination just like the union of the hot summer, wind and fire at one place .
Vasanthan wishes dheerga Sumangalithvam to the wives of Kaaman (Rathi),
KrOdhan (JigamsA, one who has the desire to kill) and Lobhan (ThrushNai).
Vasanathan questions the trio about their strategy to overcome Purushan
wearing the shield of mighty VivEkan. Kaaman now details the change in his
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plans for the vyUham (arrangement of the forces in a specific order) for the
attack.Kaaman is worried about the doubts of Vasanthan, who was assigned
earlier the front position. Now, Kaaman shuffles the formation and places
himself in the front and ThrushNai in the middle flanked by KrOdhan, Lobhan
and Vasanthan on her sides. They march on like this five or six steps. They
come across Purushan engaged in a calm yogic pose and staying still enjoying the
Aathman. Vasanthan passes on the information that King VivEkan and Queen
Sumathi are secretly strategizing to transport Purushan to Parama Padham
from Prakruthi MaNDalam. KrOdhan reacts and observes that Purushan is no
match for the Pushpa BhANaams of Kaaman. Vasanthan dismisses Krodhan’s
speech as just banter and asks why they are all in martial formation, if they are
not worried. Kaaman looks more at Purushan, gets filled with fear and concludes
the futility of their effort and suggests that they retreat from the battle
field. He describes the power of VivEkan (defending Pursuhan) as latter’s shield
destroying his vyUham this way:
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prayuktham kEnApi praNava raTamAsthAya purathO
Meaning:
VivEkan wearing the two kavachams (armour) of patience and happiness and
empowered by wide awake discriminating knowledge marches heroically and
majestically. He ascends the chariot of PraNavam driven by Brahman and
appears before me and engages in the destruction of my VyUham.
Vasanthan sees the onslaught and states that MahA Mohan will destroy himself
if any harm comes to any one of the three (Kamaa-KrOdha-Lobhan). The wife
of Mahaa Mohan will commit suicide if her husband kills himself. Vasanthan
recommends to the trio to quit the battle field and make a retreat. Lobhan
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Kaaman states that Mahaa Mohan will arrive at the battle field accompanied by
Dhamban, Dharpan, Guhanai, asooyai, dhurvAsanai and will engage VivEkan and
destroy him. Based on this assessment, Kaaman concludes that it is the right
time to scatter in different directions. All make their exits now conceding
defeat.
Thus concludes the Fourth act named the destruction of the KaamAdhi
VyUham.
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Act 5
DHAMBHAADHYUPAALAMBHA ANGAM
(Taunt of Dambha)
In this act, Dambhan, Kuhanai arrives first; they are followed by Darpan and
Asooyai. Mahaa Mohan and Dhurmathi appear on the stage finally.
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the married couple, who adore each other.
Darpam is ego and haughtiness. One who is linked to it is Darpan. This trait
goads one to put down and belittle even those who are pious and blemish free.
Darpan’s wife is Asooyai, the opposite of anusooyai.
In the last (Fourth) act, Swamy Desikan described the defeat of Kaama-
KrOdham by VivEkan. Even after destruction of Kaamam (Manmathan’s
chEshtais) and KrOdham (anger), it is possible for Dambham, deceit
(Vanchanai) and jealousy and intolerance (Asooyai) to unsettle Mumukshu
Purushan, whom Mahaa Mohan and Durmathi want to pull down from pursuit of
sathgathi.
Dambhan with his wife Kuhanai has been commanded by Queen Durmathi to
perform AabhichAra yaagam to destroy VivEkan, who is the protection for
Mumukshu Purushan.
Dambhan was also commanded by King Mahaa Mohan to hurt prople following
Aasthika mathams. Asooyai has been instructed by Durmathi to highlight
defects and to mislead people. Now that Vivekan has driven away Kaama-
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KrOdhams, Dambhan and company proceed to unite with Mahaa Mohan in his
planned battle with VivEkan at the holy cities like Kaanchi, which are Mukthi
KshEthrams. MahA Mohan plots to make the food consumed by Purushan and
others asAthvikam (Rajas and Tamas creating foods so that Saathvic
tendencies are affected).
The Fifth act is a big one and has some very insightful slOkams for the screen
play. Swamy Desikan’s upadEsams have an eternal relevance. There are many
humorous passages about the foibles of humans that drag them away from
pursuit of Moksha siddhi. We will cover some illustrative passages.
Dambhan addresses his wife as Sahadharma ChAriNi. She agrees and gives her
reasons for those qualifications: "when the thieves, gamblers, petty officials,
the government ministers, PaashaNdis (who swerve away from sadAchAram and
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anushtAnams) desire me, I unite with them on the conviction that they remind
me of you, my husband". Dhambhan laughs at his wife’s defense and says: "No
wonder you are recognized as SarvalOka Pathivrathai (the universal chaste
woman who joins every male as her husband)". He congratulates her further
about being a sahadharmachAriNi in pursuit of all avaidhika kaaryams.
Dambhan and Kuhanai go about their business to set up the AbichAra homam.
At this juncture, Darpan arrives at the yaaga Saalaa touting his qualifications
and achievements.
Darpan reveals as to whom he has defeated in the past through his vyApAram
and boasts that all of these types have been crushed (sarvE mayA kharvithA)
by me. These are:
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Chandas
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Darpan is the personification of ego and haughtiness. Swamy Desikan points
out here that no scholar in any field of discipline is exempt from being
affected by ego and pride.
Darpan continues with his ranting and now talks about his disciples. He
classifies his sishyAs into two categories: (1) BaahyAs, who are outside the
VedAs; they do not Vedam as PramAnam (2) Kudhrushtis, who accept the VedAs
but interpret it in a vipareeta manner and do their own disservice to Vaidhika
Mathams. He elaborates on the tenets of avaidhika and AabhAsa mathams like
Bouddham, Jainam, Saankyam, ChArvAkam et al and condemns them as
destroyers of Vaidhikam.
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mAthA chAsya pithA cha Paasupathinou: Their parents belong to Paasupatha
saiva matham.
JaayA tishtathi sAnkhya yOga samayE: His wife is rooted in Saankhya yOga
Matham.
around.
Darpan states proudly his service to Mahaa Mohan to pull people away from
Moksha Maargam thru the practice of avaidhika Mathams, misinterpretation of
VedAs and Practice of durAchAram in their roles of false yogis, fake sanyAsis,
cheaters who abandon VarNASrama dharmams and twist the established
practices to enhance their material wealth and sensory pleasures. Swamy
Desikan gives a detailed list of such cheaters, who are expert practitioners of
Dambam and condemns them. He says that all these jeevans are under the
control of Mahaa Mohan and yet there are places where VaidhikAs and
SadAchAryaas hold sway. Darpan finds one such place and recognizes it as the
Aasramam of VivEkan and enters there with Asooyai in the garb of a sanyAsini.
Asooyai is known for finding fault even with those who are blemishless. She has
been sent by Dhurmathi, the wife of Mahaa Mohan in the garb of hope-giving-
monk to unsettle the mind of believers.
All the four (Darpan, Damban, Guhanai and Asooyai) have some hot exchanges,
make up and join together to meet King Mahaa Mohan and Queen Dhurmathi.
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Now Mahaa Mohan and Dhurmathi enter the stage.
Mahaa Mohan fumes that VivEkan had defeated Kaaman and KrOdhan sent by
him to destroy VivEkan. He is unhappy over the growth in the fame of VivEkan
and his reduced stature. He dearly desires to change VivEkan over to the Veda
bhAhya and kudrushti mathams and is annoyed over his lack of success so far.
As a proponent of these Veda Baahya and Vipareetha Mathams , he reiterates
his deep belief in DehAm being the Aathma and when Aathma is dead, all is
over and there is no such thing like Moksham.
When body falls down, the aathmA is also dead in his view. Mahaa Mohan lauds
the superiority of LokAyatha Matham of Bruhaspathy and other mathams that
go against the Vedam as PramANam or misinterpret the meanings of the Veda
Mantrams to suit their purposes. He supports ChArvAka matham, which has
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the point of view that the Sthree BhOgam itself is Moksam and that it fits well
as a credible view since the Lord Himself has many wives and therefore can not
be considered as rejecting the Kaama PurushArTam. Durmathi agrees with her
husband’s view that the blissful union with the young women is the essential
siddhAntham and wonders how anyone can take interest in Vaidhika pradhAna
matham, which emphasizes vairAgyam and control of sensory pleasures. She
feels sorry for her husband, whose work is being assailed by VedAnthins.
At this point, Dambhan and Dharpan join the royal couple. MahA Mohan asks
about what happened to Kaaman, KrOdhan, Lobhan and Vasanthan after their
vyUham (military formation) was destroyed by VivEkan. They report the
pitiable state of the emissaries sent against VivEkan. Mahaa Mohan flies into a
rage about the defeat of his minister and vows to destroy VivEkan and spread
adharmam every where to maintain his regime. Mahaa Mohan boasts about his
power to destroy VivEkan and states that in his battle against VivEkan, Kali
kaalam is his Chariot; dhurmathi is his charioteer; Dambhan is the trumpet that
hails victory and Darpan is his armour (kavacham). Dambhan and Darpan declare
their total faith in MahA Mohan’s victory over VivEkan in the upcoming battle
and exit the stage to carry out their assigned tasks. Mahaa Mohan now reflects
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on his strategy to bring down VivEkan. Dhurmathi suggests that Mahaa Mohan
to order his ministers standing by to execute his command to destroy the
enemy, VivEkan. Mahaa Mohan agrees and asks for a trusted servant of the
inner chambers named DurvAsanai to broadcast his command to the nation on
the dispatch of his seven trusted ministers – Kaaman, KOpan, Lobhan, Madham,
Asooyai, Dambhan and Sthambhan(son of Darpan) to seven Moksha KshEthrams
(AyOddhi, Mathuraa, Maayaa, Kaasi, Kaanchi, Ujjayanee and Dhvarakaa) to take
control of them and advance the doctrines for which Mahaa Mohan has vowed
to reinforce. DurvAsanai exits the stage to complete the assigned task.
The courtiers sing the praise of Mahaa Mohan and spell out the cardinal
doctrines of Mahaa Moha Matham, which is diametrically opposite to the
Vaidhika Matham that Vivekan and Sumathy advocate. The courtiers’ summary
of Mahaa Moha Matham, which causes delusion and interferes with the pursuit
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of Moksham is:
AaSAviSEshamaparam prathipathsyamAnO
In this verse celebrating Mahaa Mohan, the courtiers say that Sooryan shines
like their king instead of the other way round. The adjectives used for the King
and Sun are the same. The meanings of the words however are different for
the King and Sun.
The courtiers say: Oh Mahaa Moha Raajan! The emphasis on the time for union
with women is our dominant doctrine (engagement in intense sensual activities).
You spread the value of Kaama saasthram everywhere and cause immense
difficulties to those who are performing the SaadhanAs to gain sathgathy
(Moksha Siddhi) and destroy VivEkan to achieve this victory over Mumukshus
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(those who desire Moksham).
The words of this slOkam
provide the following
meaning, when it is
understood as a compliment
to the Sun as having the
resplendence of Mahaa
Mohan: Sun makes Noon
(MadhyAhnam) warm and
bright to perform Bhagavath
AarAdhana and partake
Bhagavath PrasAdham. With
the peak of his warmth
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during the noon time, Sun
makes it difficult for the
people to wander outside
and the Sun sets in the
west during the evening
sandhyA kaalam.
Swami Desikan
After listening to this
panegyric, Mahaa Mohan and
Dhurmathi retire to enjoy
their dinner.
dAsan
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59
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Sundara simham - ahobila mutt
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4 HayagrIva Stotram 20 Charama Surukku
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eBook # Title eBook # Title
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eBook # Title eBook # Title
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Vedams and upanishads
90 Chillarai Rahasyam
91 Srimad RahasaTrayaSAram
92 Fabulous Four
93 Sudarashana Vaibhavam
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ahObilavalli - Chenchulakshmi thAyAr - ahobilam
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4 VAsantika parinayam 20 RanganAtha Mahimai Vol 1
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eBook # Title eBook # Title
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eBook # Title eBook # Title
75 Nikshepa Rakshai
77 Trayamidam Sarvam
78 Srinivasa Kalyanam(PPT)
79 Sankalpa Sooryodayam
80 Krishna karnamrutam
81 Desika Prarthanashtakam
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83 Sri Upakara Sangraham Pt.1
(Vol1)
84 Sri Upakara Sangraham Pt.1
(Vol2)
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