Adiyen has heard that during the 9 days of Navarathri that Durga Devi is worshipped and it is mentioned so in the Shaketya tradition as spoken about by Shivan. Are there any references to Navarathri in the pasurams of Sri Vaishnava tradition, or the Itihasa-s and Purana-s? Have our Purvacharyas celebrated Navarathri?
Vidwan’s reply
Navarathri worship is mentioned in Sri Lakshmitantram. As a conclusion of Navarathri, a related Srivaishnava worship was determined and GSPK has conducted a discourse on the greatness of Navarathri. One can listen to this discourse through the link below.
Navarathri is related to the worship of Lakshmidevi. See the PDF through the link below which has a detailed collection of relevant Lakshmidevi strotras, Prabandham-s, forms, and days associated with Lakshmidevi.
https://www.sampradayamanjari.org/sudarsanam-guide-to-upcoming-events/
Doubts about the Vedas.
Why do the Vedas talk about Perumal indirectly? Why have they not talked about Perumal openly?
Why has Perumal created several demi-gods and traditions and why has he made people follow them based on their knowledge? Why has he not declared that he alone is the Supreme Being and made everyone follow Sharanagati as the means?
Vidwan’s reply
Like how we safeguard a rare ruby, the true and subtle knowledge about Emperuman is precious. Hence the Vedas talk about it subtly or indirectly. This is so because this knowledge must be learned through a preceptor.
Emperuman creates many demi-gods as a divine pastime of his. Brahma Sutra says that these are Emperumans “lokAvat lIlA kaivalyam”; Bhagavan creates this universe playfully. These are a result of his playfulness. He conducts the world based on the karmic effect of every being. This is also a reason why Bhagavan has created demi-gods.
Some people like some other Devathas. Perumal with a good intension allowed them also to enjoy the benefit.
In the first part of discourse series on Veda Mahimai, Svami has mentioned about Pradhana Shatakam and about the commentary that Svami has written in the Kanchi Perarulalan magazine. Where are these available? E-book versions are also acceptable.
Vidwan’s reply
Pradhana Shatakam is one of the Rahasya-s. It is found in “Chillarai Rahasyangal”. This book is available at Srirangam Srimad Poundarikapuram Ashramam.
Kanchi Perarulalan magazine is available in their office at Taramani (Hayagriva Vidyapeetham, Taramani).
Namaskaram. What is the principle behind the presence of Narasimha Perumal behind the murthi of Sri Chakrathazhvar?
Vidwan’s reply
Chakrathazhvar is a Nityasuri (permanent resident of the eternal abode). Perumal is an in-dweller (antaryAmi) in him and grants all the fruits; as Chakrathazhvar murthi is ferocious, hence ferocious form of Perumal, Sri Narasimha murthy is consecrated on the other side of Chakrathazhvar murthi.
Usually, Upanishad is not chanted after sunset. It is said that Tiruvaimozhi is the essence of Upanishad. Why then there is no such restriction for Tiruvaimozhi recitation?
Vidwan’s reply
Upanishad is not chanted during the night times. As per the practice of elders, Tiruvaimozhi was recited during the night times. As an example – curd must not be partaken in the night time; but we partake ghee, which is an essence of the curd. Similarly with the recitation of Upanishad`s essence Tiruvaimozhi
