Miscellaneous - Religion   

God's graciousness

CHENNAI : One of the auspicious qualities of the Supreme Being, which is important to understand the dynamics of His relationship with His devotees, is His resolve to protect those who surrender to Him. The Divine name `Achyuta' etymologically gives this meaning— one who will not forsake those who take refuge in Him.

Tondaradippodi Azhwar in his hymn, Tirumalai, addresses the Lord of Srirangam by this name while describing the bliss of glorifying Him, "O Lord of Arangamanagar with the hue of a huge green mountain! Lord of coral lips, lotus-red eyes, Achyuta! Lord of eternals, cowherd Lord, — if I were given to rule Indra's kingdom denying the joy of praising You— even if You gave it, I shall not want it."

In his discourse, Sri K.B.Devarajan said the Lord's incarnations offered insights into His graciousness towards His devotees. When Rama accepted Vibhishana's surrender he was overwhelmed by the Lord's compassion. Rama, in fact, felt a twinge of guilt that He accepted him into His fold only after asking the opinion of others giving room for Vibhishana to be afraid that he might he turned away. The Lord then consoled Vibhishana not with words for His voice was also choked with emotion but by His benevolent look.

Another instance was when Sita reproved Rama for wielding bow and arrow quite contrary to His deportment of a hermit in the forest. She questioned why He promised the sages that He would kill the Rakshasas when they bore no enmity towards Him. The Lord then replied that having given His solemn promise to the sages, He would forsake Her or even Lakshmana but never go back on His word.

When Arjuna and Duryodana approached Krishna for help to ensure victory in the war both got what they wanted. Bhishma was sad when Duryodana told him that he had secured Krishna's army for their side as He had declared that He would not wield any weapon. The grandsire knew what a folly he had committed for victory was certain only where the Lord was. Bhishma then vowed that he would make Krishna take up arms and he did by fighting valiantly. Disregarding His word Krishna alighted from His chariot and went rushing towards him wielding His discus thereby showing that He would even break His promise to fulfil His devotee's word.

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