The Hindu : New Delhi News : Rare anthology released

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Sunday, Feb 10, 2008
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New Delhi

Rare anthology released

J. Venkatesan

NEW DELHI: An anthology in English with explanation and meanings of the sacred names of Goddess Mahalakshmi brought out by Vishnu Sahasranama Satsangam, Ramakrishnapuram, here to coincide with its 40th anniversary celebrations was released on Saturday by Shashiprabha Kumar, Chairperson of the Special Centre for Sanskrit Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

The book, titled “Lakshmi Ashtothra Satanama Nirukthi Sthuthi” (Volume 3), is a collection of 36 slokas (from 73 to 108) of Sanskrit literature on Goddess Mahalakshmi. The English translation of the remaining 72 slokas had already been released.

Besides giving the meaning and explanation for each sloka, the author, V.S. Karunakaran, has given anecdotes to make the reader understand the nuances of the ancient Sanskrit literature in its pristine glory. The explanations are quite elaborate with anecdotes relevant to the names.

Paying glowing tributes to the author for the excellent production, Dr. Kumar lauded the efforts of the Satsangam in bringing out this rare book and “keeping alive our cultural heritage and the spirit of spiritualism”. About Vishnu Sahasranmam, she said though the name Lord Narayana was one, the manifestation of God in different forms was reflected in the 1,008 namas of Vishnu Sahasranamam. The Chairman of the Law Commission, Justice A. R. Lakshmanan, received the first copy from Dr. Kumar and distributed prizes to the winners of Vishnu Sahasranama recitation competitions conducted for school children in Delhi and Chennai.

Dr. Karunakaran said “Goddess Mahalakshmi gets this name because she blesses the entire world worshipping her with the salutary boons they seek without any delay”. He thanked the Satsangam for giving him an opportunity to come out with this rare book in three volumes.

The Satsangam Trustee, T. Subramanian, explained the activities of the organisation formed in 1968 with the sole objective of bringing devotees together for group recitation of Vishnu Sahasranamam on Sundays.

The 40th anniversary celebrations of the Satsangam will conclude on Sunday. In the afternoon, eminent musicians Priya Sisters (Hari Priya and Shanmukha Priya) will give a Carnatic music vocal concert in the presence of the Chief Election Commissioner, N. Gopalaswami. In the evening there will be a religious discourse on Anjaneya Utsavam by P. Subbarama Bhagvathar and party.

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