Dear Fellow-Bhagavathas,

In a succinct and splendid chapter ‘Paradevatha Paaramaarthyam’ in Srimath Rahasya-thraya Saaram, Swami Desika asserts the supremacy of Sriman Narayana in no uncertain terms. This Note houses the enumeration of some of the vital, irrefutable points put forth by the illustrious Acharya, drawing from legends.

• The ultimate goal of any religion worth its name, is attainment of Moksha. The authority for the same must be determined in the first place, lest it is impossible to achieve the objective. Swami Desika does that with elan, and emphatically proves that Sriman Narayana is the sole authority in granting Moksha.
• He is the creator of everything and hence the ‘First-Cause Lord’. He is the essence of the Vedas encapsulated in the Pranava.
• The other constituents of the so called ‘triumvirate’ — Brahma and Rudhra — were created and assigned roles by Sriman Narayana and they owe their positions to Him. They are subservient to Lord Vishnu.
• They are — none else, for that matter — not empowered to bestow Moksha. They have the authority to grant trifling benediction, but that also out of what they received from Sriman Narayana.
• They are, like any other Jivaathma, bound by their Karmas, and their knowledge is not absolute.
• Similarly, Brahma and Rudhra are the body of the omni-present Lord Vishnu.
• Sriman Narayana is God nonpareil. Neither has He anyone equal not superior.
• When a Jivathma is fortunate to receive Sriman Narayana’s Kataksham at the time of birth, he becomes one with innate desire for Moksha. On the other hand, the glance of Brahma results in ‘Raajasa’ quality and that of Siva vests ‘Thaamasa’ quality in Jivathmas.
• Sriman Narayana’s supremacy is evident in the ‘Pranava’ and ‘Narayana’ in the Moola Manthram; in ‘Narayana’ in both the places in the Dhvayam; ‘Maam’ and ‘Aham’ in the Charama-Slokam.
• When someone is unsure of the ‘Supreme Lord’, ‘Maha Viswaasam’ is absent and the question of attaining Moksha is ruled out for him.

Divinity in all its splendour

The annual Brahmothsavam for Lord Srinivasa was celebrated with the customary grandeur at the Temple from May 21 to 30. Hundreds of devotees participated and received the blessings of the Lord, who enthralled one and all with extraordinary decoration every session of the 10-day festival.

In a highlight of the Uthsavam, large number of scholars and practitioners adorned the Ubhaya-Veda Ghoshti and the recitations were scintillating. It was a one-of-a-kind experience for the devotees who savoured every moment of the event.

In a nut-shell, what was on view and in the air was divinity in all its splendour.

Meet you in the next Note.

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