Miscellaneous - Religion   

The Supreme One

Chennai: It is not given to everyone to discern God. The Paratva of Lord Narayana is evident only to a few. Dasaratha, though he is witness to Lord Rama’s bravery and good qualities, is still unable to think beyond the father-son equation. He does not see Rama’s Paratva, said M. V. Anantapadmanabhachariar in a lecture.

When Viswamitra asks him to send Rama to the forest to kill the demons, Dasaratha gives all kinds of excuses to avoid sending Rama. But the moment Kausalya hears that Viswamitra has arrived seeking Rama’s help to slay the asuras, she tells her son to get ready to leave with the sage. She is a more evolved soul than her husband, and can see Rama’s greatness. That is why when Viswamitra wakes up Rama, with his now famous words, he pays tribute to the mother who was aware that her son was no mere mortal. Rama is referred to as ‘Kausalya Supraja.’ He is not referred to as Dasaratha’s son, for Dasaratha lacked the discerning capacity of Kausalya.

Mandodari refers to Rama as the Paramatma, who has auspicious qualities. She says He is Narayana, who resides in Sri Vaikunta. Tara, Vali’s wife, sees Rama as One who protects sadhus. Mareecha sees Rama as Nrisimha, the One killed Hiranyakasipu. The many rishis, who had been doing penance in the forest, take up residence in Ayodhya, because there they can see Rama, the Supreme One. No one is superior to Narayana. Narayana is Satya. He is extolled as Satya Dharma Parakrama in the Vishnu Sahasranama. He is Satya because His body does not decay like ours. He is Satya, also because He is concerned about the welfare of the virtuous.

Lord Varadaraja of Kanchi has been eulogised as Satya. His words are Satya, and His Consort Perundevi is synonymous with Satya too.

Kooratazhvar says that it is impossible for Narayana to hide His Paratva. Who but the Supreme One can grant moksha to a bird, as Rama did in the case of Jatayu? How do we ensure that we recognise His Paratva? Observance of vratas alone will not ensure that our eyes will be opened to the Truth. Only pure hearts that are full of bhakthi will realise that Narayana is the Supreme One.

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