SANSKRIT
Commentary on a hymn
C. L. RAMAKRISHNAN
SRI NATESA SAHASRANAMA STUTI: With Sanskrit commentary ‘Cintamani’ by K.M. Rajaganesa Dikshitar; pub.by N.T. Ganapathy Dikshitar, 17, East Sannidhi, Chidambaram.
THE NAMES (1000) of the presiding deity of Chidambaram, Lord Nataraja, have been commented upon in this publication. The commentary is divided into 10 divisions. Each name has been dealt with in detail, with explanation of the content and intent thereof. Reliance is made on deriving the names by applying the principles of Nirukta and formation of these names by following the Vyakarana Sutras of Panini.
The introduction is quite heavy and contains a lot of useful material. There is a comparison of certain names appearing in this hymn with those in the Lalita Sahasranama. The commentary elucidates the word meaning, the import of these words, the concept, the special features and meanings, and the number of letters in the 1000 names of the Lord. The name “Siva”, for instance, has been interpreted in 30 ways.
The author’s scholarship is evident from his lucid explanations. There is a wide survey of the subjects in the areas of devotion, literature and philosophy.
The work, as a whole, is extremely useful due to its extensive introduction and thorough analysis.
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