Thyagaraja Swami was a devotee of Srirama and form his keertanas we can understand that his ArAdhya devata (main deity of aradhanam) was Sriraman. Even then, from the caraNam “vInA gAna lIluDau shivamanO” of the “mOkSamu galadA” keertana, it appears that he is praying for moksham from Shiva. For one who is a devotee of Srirama, why is he seeking moksham from Shiva? Is it because he has sung treating Srirama as Shiva? Kindly clarify and forgive any offence conveyed.
Vidwan’s reply
Thyagaraja Swami was indeed a devotee of Srirama. In this caraNam do not interpret that he is asking moksham from Shiva; the divine name ‘Shiva’ that occurs in the caraNam “vInA gAna lIluDau shivamanO” is to be understood refers to Sriman Narayanan. Even in Srivishnu Sahasranam, one of the divine names is ‘shiva:’. That is, it means One who grants auspiciousness. Moreover, since he bore the Sripada tirtham of Emperuman on his head, the name Bhiksadana changed to Shiva, which is a common, suggestive name.
Since the divine name ‘shiva:’ is found in Srivishnu Sahasranam, we can understand that this name refers to Srirama only.
When did Andal’s Tirukkalyanam (as per Nachiar Thirumozhi) happen? When Andal has sung ‘tai our thingal’ after Tiruppavai, why do we celebrate Andal Tirukkalyanam on the day of Bhogi?
Vidwan’s reply
Elders used to say that Andal Tirukkalaynam took place on Panguni Uttiram day. As the conclusion of Tiruppavai is considered to be auspicious, we celebrate Andal Tirukkalyanam on Bhogi. She sung ‘engum tiruvaruL peTru enbuRuvar’ – her ‘tiruvaruL’ was marrying Emperuman. For us to experience that ‘tiruvarul’, Andal Tirukkalyanam is celebrated on Bhogi, as a phala shruti.
Are Emperuman’s Hamsa avatar and Hyagriva avatar are one and same? This doubt arose due to the occurrence of of ‘hamsam’ in the Hyagriva Gayatri.
Vidwan’s reply
Emperuman’s Hamsa avatar and Hyagriva avatar are different. In the Hyagriva avatar, he retrieved the Vedas; in the Hamsa avatar he expounded on the meaning of the Vedas.
It is alright if the term ‘hamsam’ is found in Hyagriva Gayatri.
I have heard that Kingruhesha Stuti on the Emperuman of Tiruvallur was composed by Swami Desikan; is this correct? Because this stuti is not found in the Desika Stotramala, I have this doubt.
Vidwan’s reply
Some learned, wise people say that Swami Desikan composed the Sri Kingruhesha Stuti on Tiruvallur Emperuman. Not only is this not found in Desika Stotramala, but it also not found in any Deiska Grantham.
All can recite Sri Kingruhesha Stuti.
Notes:
Many granthams that Swami Desikan composed are lost to us. Many details are beyond our small intellect. And there are many doubts about many other details. No harm in this and let us leave them to remain as doubts.
My son continues to perform prescribed daily rituals without fail. Kindly advise which slokam or pasuram to recite for a suitable alliance without any obstacles.
Vidwan’s reply
It seems that Srisuktam and Sri Stuti can be recited for a suitable alliance to fructify sooner and without any hindrances.
