One for all
Rama anuja: Ramas's younger brother, Lakshmana. He sacrificed himself
for the good of whole of Ayodhya. Once a maharishi, Yama in disguise
came to confer with Rama. Ramarajya was about to end. The maharishi
wanted an one on one meeting with the emperor.Lakshmana the
personification of selfless servitude was instructed not to allow
anyone inside. He was warned that death was the penalty in case of
infringement. Rama reiterated the warning to Ramanuja. This was the
same Rama who had told Seetha in the forest that His vow was more
dear to Him than she or Lakshmana. Lakshmana as was his inherent
quality confidently took up position to prevent anyone from
disturbing the tete a tete.
Inside, Yama implored Rama to return to His eternal abode. Rama
acqusied and began thinking about the way to go about it. He
accomplishes creation and dissolution by mere contemplation.The first
step was to send Lakshmana, the incarnation of Adisesha,His bed,seat
etc. etc... back to Paramapada. He set the process rolling...
Outsidethe alert Lakshmana spotted a venerable figure approaching his
station. The matted locks, the brilliant visage and the red eyes
could belong to but one rishi. Durvasa the human form of wrath.
Lakshmana as was his wont greeted the sage respectfully. Durvasa told
Ramanuja that he wanted to meet Rama. Lakshmana demurred. Durvasa
repeated his wish to seek Rama's audience. Lakshmana refused entry
explaining the circumstances to the rishi. Durvasa who had a very low
flash point threatened Lakshmana with annihilation but Lakshmana
refused to cave in. The irate sage than threatened that not only
Lakshmana but Ayodhya in its entirety would be razed if entry was
denied.
Lakshmana was totally oblivious to his fate but was very sensitive to
the well being of others. Choosing his own demise over the
destruction of his beloved kingdomhe allowed the angry sage inside.
Once Durvasa left, Rama was confronted with the distasteful task of
castigating His younger brother. The only option was the death
sentence. He asked the maharishi's advice who told Him that all He
had to do was send His younger brother away. To Lakshmana separation
from Rama was verily death.
Rama heavy heartedly excommunicated Lakshmana who directly went to
the bank of Sarayu, shed his mortal coil and ascended to SriVaikuntam
preparatory to Rama's return.
Thus did that Ramanuja sacrifice himself for the common good in
Tretha yuga.
Another Ramanuja did the same in Kali yuga.
Ramanuja who was tutored by six acharyas was tetsed seveteen times by
Thirukoshtiyur nambi, one among the six, before he condescended to
teach him at the eighteenth visit. To commemorate this Namperumal
bathes eighteen times on the night of Panguni utthiram along with His
consort Ranganayaki at Srirangam.
Thirukoshtiyur nambi imparted the esoteric meanings of the
asthakshara, dvaya and charama sloka to Ramanuja as per the teachings
of Aalavandar. He cautioned Ramanuja to test his disciples severely
in a like manner before teaching them the same. Ramanuja completed
his tutelage at the feet of Thirukoshtiyur nambi and took leave.
His first act was to climb to the top of the octagonal vimana of the
temple of the gentle Sowmyanarayana and ask all those who were
interested to come to him. He then explained to the heterogenous
gathering the essence of the charama sloka of Bhagvad Githa. He
exhorted them to take refuge at Srimannarayana's feet and escape from
the bondage of rebirths. The crowd listened to him spellbound.
Thirukoshtiyur nambi was informed of Ramanuja's action and he came
out of his home full of ire. You have disobeyed your acharya, he
admonished Ramanuja. You'll have to pay a heavy price, you'll be
pushed to the most terrible nethermost naraka.
An unperturbed Ramanuja said most respectfully that for the benefit
of many he a single man, was prepared to descend to hell. This moved
Thirukoshtiyur nambi to tears who embraced Ramanuja and gave him the
title of My Lord!, Emperumanarey!!
These Anantha avatharas are always paraopkari it seems! kuresadasan
------------------------------------
Oppiliappan Koil Varadachari Sadagopan
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