Miscellaneous - Religion   

Qualities of a Bhakta

CHENNAI: The most important requirement of human life is to realise one’s eternal relationship with the Lord and seek to attain salvation from birth. But this is a feat beset with hurdles. The esoteric quality of the philosophical truths discussed in the scriptures makes it difficult to comprehend them. Moreover, scriptures that elaborate the Upasana Marga or the path of worship of the Divine through rituals and Yagas are not able to explain the essence of Bhakti adequately, pointed out Sri B. Damodhara Dikshitar in a lecture. The observance of Yagas and Yagnas can be very demanding for while engaged in the intricacies of these practices, one may not be able to vibe with the very presence of God. But Bhakti has no such restrictions and the Puranas contain illustrative vignettes of the lives of the devout who have shown it is possible to attain God through pure Bhakti. Their experiences serve to instil the quality of devotion by which one can reach God. Bhakti exemplifies total love to God.

The Periyapuranam also known as Tiruthondarpuranam (the purana of the holy devotees) is a Tamil poetic account depicting the legendary lives of the sixty-three Nayanmars, the canonical poets of Tamil Saivism. It was compiled during the 12th century by Sekkizhar, a chief minister in the court of the King Kulothunga Chozha II.

The Nayanmars were all householders and represent the entire cross section of humanity. They hailed from varied walks of life and from different communities. Whether it was a potter, a fisherman or a hunter, what is striking is that these people were able to realise God through their sincere devotion. They have shown how to love God for His sake alone unselfishly and how to renounce worldly attachments.

Such was their personal love for God that the Lord tested their sincerity and took them into His fold in unique ways. Their qualification was total love towards Him. It was not what they gave but with what affection they gave that qualified them to gain Mukti.

While listening to the various incarnations of the Lord helps to kindle devotion towards Him, listening to the lives of Sivan Adiyars initiates one into the path of devotional service.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword No. 9383
Solution No. 9382
Qualities of a Bhakta
dated November 20, 1958: Outer Space control
dated November 20, 1958: U.N. observers in Lebanon
dated November 20, 1958: “Yeomen of the Guard”
Weather

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu