Commentary on a devotional work
V.N. VEDANTA DESIKAN
LAKSHMI ASHTOTHRA SATANAMA NIRUKTHI STHUTHI — Vol.3: V. S. Karunakaran; Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Sat Sangam, C- 8519, Vasanth Kunj, New Delhi-110070. Rs. 45.
Devotees generally cherish an Archana with 108/1008 names of their favourite deity as a rewarding practice, be it at home or in a temple. There are numerous Namavalis to cater to the suppliant. One hymn that is said to have been given by Siva to Parvati has been greatly popular through the ages, incorporating 108 names of Mahalakshmi. From this hymn names are culled out, and chanted. The devotee may, in general, be unconcerned with the import of the particular name of the God or Goddess thus spelt out. But there is no gainsaying the fact that the comprehension of the true import of the deity’s name would prove really inspiring, since the devotee now has a real relish of the ritual, which need not necessarily be in blind ignorance; he can now grasp a quality of the deity, which he is presently worshipping. Indeed he piously hopes that his God (or Goddess) is sure to favour him, whether he chants a name with full comprehension of the import or merely as a ritual not grasping the significance of the words chanted. After all the deity understands the meaning and will relent! But he is sure to have deeper faith and love for his favourite deity, when the meaning is imparted to him, through books like the one under review.
Fills a lacuna
But, then, surprisingly though, no commentary was ever available for this work till now. The present author possesses all the requisite qualifications to write one: mastery over Sanskrit and Tamil, astounding poetic ability, Vedic mastery, Vedantic proficiency, and deep understanding of the epics and the Puranas.
This book covers the last 36 names of the Ashtottaram. He explains the origin of each name, etymologically, through a Nirukti stuti. What adds a special gusto is the story that he narrates to support his Nirukti. His experience, in his profession as engineer, with experience of places and people of various kinds, comes in handy for his presentation of the anecdotes in popular English.
An admirable work, even if the interpretation is, sometimes, a little farfetched, though interesting, as in the case of Mahakali or Varalakshmi. Nevertheless, the publication is a most welcome addition to the literature on the Goddess, to be treasured by all seekers of divine grace.
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