Saturday, February 27, 2010

The importance of number 18

THE NUMBER 18

Posted by: "Mrs Geetha Vasudevan" vasugee191193@yahoo.com vasugee191193

Fri Feb 26, 2010 6:30 pm (PST)



SRIMATHEY RAMANUJAYA NAMAHA

Dear Bhagavtha Bandhus,

In this article let us see the importance of number 18. For some 18 denotes the age 18, where in the childhood disappears and the adulthood appears, and legally, we get our
voting rights from the
age of 18, and people
expect us to make wise
decisions. This is
all loukikam.

But our sampradaya has something different to say on the no 18 let us see:

A) The puranas are 18 in number they are

1 Vishnu Purana

The Vishnu Purana has been known as the `Puranaratna` meaning gem of Puranas.

2 Naradiya Purana

This ancient book is written in a form of narration. Narada narrates to Sanatkumara the dharmas of Brhatkalpa.

3 Padma Purana

The Padma Purana houses the major sections named as the Srishti Khanda
(Book of the Universe), Bhumi Khanda (Book of the Earth), and many
more.

4 Garuda Purana

This Purana is generally read by the Hindus of India during the cremation of dead bodies.

5 Varaha Purana

In this Purana, Varaha, the third incarnation of Vishnu narrates the story about holy places and mantras.

6 Bhagavata Purana

Stories of devotees, the various avatars of Krishna or Vishnu are described in the earlier section of the Purana.

7 Brahmanda Purana

The different sections of the Purana cover the comprehensive
description of the creation of cosmos, discussion about the time as a
dimension and the details of Kalpa and Yuga.

8 Brahmavaivarta Purana

The Brahmavaivarta contains eighteen thousand verses and is regarded as holy.

9 Markandeya Purana

The beginning of the Markandeya Purana is from the mouth of Jaimini asking four questions to Markandeya.

10 Bhavishya Purana

There are certain portions on the text, which has been drawn from the law book of Manu.

11 Vamana Purana

The Vamana Purana boasts ten characteristics apparently- Sarg, Visarg,
Sthaan, Poshan, Uti, Vritti, Raksha, Manvantara, Vansh and Upaashraya.

12 Brahma Purana

It is believed that if this Purana along with Jaladhenu is gifted in the month of Vaisakha (May), the donor will attain heaven.

13 Matsya Purana

The first and the oldest of the all the Puranas, Hindu scriptures and texts, is the Matsya Purana.

14 Kurma Purana

Kurmamurti (incarnation of Vishnu as Kurma or tortoise) taught this Purana while narrating the story of Indradyumna at Patala.

15 Linga Purana

The prominence of Lord Vishnu, and the emergence of Brahma as the creator of cosmos are described in this Purana.

16 Shiva Purana

Actually it contains the instructions of Shiva to Dharma sitting in the form of `linga` or `Phallus`.

17 Skanda Purana

The popular stories that are contained in the Skanda Purana are, the
yagna (sacrifice) of Prajapati Daksha, the churning of ocean and many
more.

18 Agni Purana

In this Purana there are a number of verses dealing with cosmology,
history, warfare, law, medicine, martial art, and a lot more.

B) The Mahabaratha is divided into 18 parvas

C) The Bhagavath Geetha given by Kannan Emperumaan has 18 chapters

D) Sarvadharman Parityajya Mam Ekam Saranam Vraja |
Aham tva Sarva
Papebhyo Mokshayishyami Masuchaha
the charma sloka is given to us by kannan emperumaan only in the 18th chapter of Bhagavath Geetha

D) The Kurukshetra war was fought for 18 days

E) Due to grace of ULAGA AARIYAN / SWAMY PILLAI LOKACHARIAR we got ASHTADASHA RAHASYANGAL They are 18 in number

1 Mumukshupadi (Thirumantram, Dwayam and Charamaslokam):
2
thatthava thryam
3 Artha panchakam
4 Sri Vachana Booshanam
5 Archiradhi
6 Premeya shekaram
7 Prapannaa Paritranam
8 Sarasangraham:
9 Samsara
samrajyam:

10 Nava ratna malai:
11 Nava vidha sambandham:

12 Yadrichchika padi:
13 Parandha padi
14 Sriya: pathi: padi
15 Thathuva Shekaram
16 Thani dhwayam
17 Thanicharamam
18 Thanipranavam

F) Kripa matra prassanacharya Swami Ramanuja walked 18 times to Thirukoshityur to get Thirumantrartham from Thirukoshtiyur Nambi

All acharyas before Ramanuja were called anuvritti prasanna acharya
i.e. one who imparts knowledge to sishyas who have passed all the
criteria in terms of basic knowledge, anushtana, perseverence etc. But
Ramanuja broke this chain (oraNvazhi) and introduced a simple criterion
– ” Desire to know”. (This was a boon to people like us) Hence he was
the first one to be hailed as Kripa mAtra prasanna acharya. Manavala
Mamunigal in Upadesa Rattina malai – “Asai udayorkkellam AriyarkAl
kUrumenru pEsi varambaruttAr pin”

G) Every time when Swamy Ramanuja walked to Thirukoshtiyoor to get Thirumanthartham from Nambi, Nambi wouldn't send swamy empty handed,every time he gave priceless messages, which are also 18 in number, they are as follows:

1) A soul intrested in Moksham, must shun away from Samsara

2)Shunning away from samsara, will also drive away ahankarm and mamkaram

3)Once Ahankaram and Mamakaram leaves deha abhimanam will also leave

4)Once Deha
Abhimanam leaves Athma Gyanam will be born

5)Birth of Athma Gyanam leads to hatred towards Aishwarya Bhogam

6)Dislike towards Aishwarya bhogam leads to love towards Emperumaan

7)Love towards Emperumaan will keep us away from other subjects

8)Shunning away from other subjects leads to Parathan threeya Gyanam

9)Birth of Parathan threeya Gyanam leads to departure of Artha, Kama, Raga & Dweshas

10)Departure of Artha, Kama, Raga & Dweshas leads to Sri Vaishnavisim

11) Once we come into the fold of Sri Vaishnavisim, we will get into Satsangam

12)On getting Satsangam, we will have Bhaagavatha Sammandahm

13)Bhaagavatha Sammandham leads to Bhagavat Sammandham

14)Bhagavat sammandham makes us to avoid other subjects

15)Avoiding other subjects leads us to be Adiyars to Emperumaan

16)Being Adiyars, we take refuge only in HIM

17)One who takes refuge only in Emperumaan is eligible for THIRUMANTHRARTHAM

18)Thus the soul accomplishes in knowing THIRUMANTHRARTHAM

H) Advaitha proponent named Yagna Murthy was defeated in Tarkha vadham (debate) by our Yethiraja Mamuni on the 18th day due to the grace of Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal and was bought into the sri vaishnavisim fold naming him ARULALA PERUMAL EMBERUMAANAR who was given the kainkaryam of doing Thiruvaradhanam to the aaradhna
perumal of swamy Ramanuja

I) When Sri Ramanuja was going round the main streets of Thirukoshtiyur one day reciting the 18th Thiruppavai verse, he went near,Thirukoshtiyur
Nambi's house and when he recited the concluding portion "Vandhu thiravai ", Nambi's daughter opened it to offer Bhiksha and the saint fell at her feet as he was so obsorbed in the pasuram, he felt andal nachiyaar standing before him, this earned him the title "Thiruppavai Jeeyar"

J) They are 18
Steps at Azhagar KoilOnce
there was an attempt to take away the idol of KallAzhagar. A priest at
this temple put together a team and captured the 18 men who had come
there to steal the idol. These 18 men were so lured by the beauty of
Azhagar that they prayed to the Lord and requested that they stay here
for ever. It is believed that each of these 18 men have taken a step
each and now reside in the 18 steps of the temple at the main Eastern
entrance.K)One has to climb 18 steps to reach Adi Kesavan Sannadhi of THIRUVATTARU DIVYA DESAM TEMPLE

I) I also once heard, to remark the tireless efforts of Swami Ramanuja's walk to Thirukkoshtiyor, even today on Panguni Utthiram Day, Namperumal is given 18
argyas, 18 padyas and all aradhana kramams 18 times (kindly correct me if adiyen is wrong)

So adiyars, the all above are the importance of no 18 in our sampradayam. Adiyen would like to know your valuable comments.

If there is any mistake, kindly apologies, this is purely due to my ignorance

ANNAIYAI ATTHANAI ENNAI ANDIDUM THANMAIYAN
RAMANUJAN EN NAMBEYE

ADIYEN RAMANUJA DASAN

GEETHA VASUDEVAN

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

BAJAGOVINDHAM-ENGLISH


Slokams

Hear & Down load Slokams

Bhaja Govindam (12 VERSES)

Dwadasha Panjarika Stotra
(The twelve pearls of wisdom)

By Sri Sankara Bhagvat Pada

Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam,
Govindam Bhaja Mooda Mathe,
Samprapthe sannihithe kale,
Nahi nahi rakshathi dookrunj karane.

Pray Govinda, Pray Govinda,
Pray Govinda, You fool,
For all the ken with you,
Will not be there,
When your end is near.

Arthamanartham Bhavaya nithyam,
Naasthi thatha sukalesa sathyam,
Puthraadhapi dhana bhaajam bheethi,
Sarvathraisha vihithaareethi. (Bhaja Govindam)

Wealth that you earn,
Has no meaning in life,
The real truth in it, is,
That it gives no pleasure,
The wealthy are but scared,
Even of him whom they beget, (Pray Govinda) 1


Kaa thee kanthaa kasthe puthra,
Samsoroya matheeva vichitram,
Kasya twam ka kutha aayatha,
Sthathwam chinthya yadhidham braatha. (Bhaja Govindam)

Who is your darling wife?
And who is the son whom you love,
This world is but strange,
Who are you, where from you came?
Think of these, Think of these (Pray Govinda) 2

Maa kuru dhana jana yowana garwam,
Harathi nimishoth kaala sarvam,
Maamaya midhamakilam hithwa,
Brahmapadam twam pravisa vidhitwa. (Bhaja Govindam)

Proud as peacock are you,
Of all the millions that you have,
And of all those who are with you,
Day in and day out,
And of the strength of youth in you.
Time, the thief is doing its job,
Of stealing them by and by,
All these are yes today and no tomorrow. (Pray Govinda) 3

Kaamam krodham lobham moham,
Tyakthwaathmanam bhavaya koham,
Atma jnana viheenaa mooda,
Sthepachyanthe naraka nigooda. (Bhaja Govindam)

Leave out your passion,
Leave out your anger,
Leave out your love for ,
Leave out your yearning in life,
Think and think, who you are?
Those who find it not, are but fools,
And are always happy in hell. (Pray Govinda) 4

Sura mandhira tharu moola nivaasa,
Sayya bhoothala majinam vaasa,
Sarvapariguha bhoga thyaaga,
Kasya sukham na karothi viraaga. (Bhaja Govindam)

He lives in the deep dark forest,
Or below a big banyan,
Sleep he does on the bare floor,
He has given up his all,
Who in this entire world, so big,
Is as happy as he is. (Pray Govinda) 5

Sathrou mithre puthre bandhou,
Maa kuru yathnam vigraha sandhou,
Bhava sama chitta sarvathra twam,
Vaanchasya chiraadhyadhi Vishnu twam. (Bhaja Govindam)

You would be one with Him
If but you can see them as one,
Your enemy whom you hate,
Your friends whom you love,
Your sons whom you adore,
And all other friends who are so close.
And if this entire world.
Is to you all and the same. (Pray Govinda) 6

Twayi mayo chaanya traiko vishnur
Vyartham kupyasi sarva sahishnu,
Sarwasaminnapi pasyaathmaanam,
Sarvathrothsyuja bhedaajnananm. (Bhaja Govindam)

In you and in me is Govinda,
So on whom will you show your ire?
See all as one and one as all,
Leave this difference between one and one. (Pray Govinda) 7

Praanayamam prathyaaharam,
Nithyaa nithya viveka vichaaram,
Jaapyasametha samadhi vidhaanam,
Kurvavadhaanam mahadhava dhaanam. (Bhaja Govindam)

Control your senses, you fool,
Withdraw from all your wants,
Try to find the difference.
Between that which is perennial,
And that which is not ,
Live and think in that He,
This is what will make you,
Decision maker supreme. (Pray Govinda) 8

Nalinee dhalagatha jalamathi thralam,
Tadwadjjevtha mathisaya chapalam,
Viddhi vyaadhibhimaana grastham,
Lokam sokahatham cha samastham. (Bhaja Govindam)

Like the tiny drop of water,
Floating on a lotus leaf,
The life today is here,
And tomorrow there,
This world full of aches ,
And bloated ego,
(Which is like an air filled up ball)
Is a place of sorrow. (Pray Govinda) 9

Kaa the ashtaadasa dese chinthaa,
Vaathula thava kim naasthi niyanthaa.
Yasthaam hasthe sudhrude nibaddham,
Bhodayathi prabhavadhi viruddham. (Bhaja Govindam)

Why this thought ,
Of eighteen countries, Hey Lunatic,
Fold your hands tight,
Think of Him,
Who controls,
All that in you. (Pray Govinda) 10

Satsangathwe nissamgathwam,
Nissamgathwe nirmohathwam,
Nirmohathwe nischala thatwam,
Nischala tathwe jeevan mukthi. (Bhaja Govindam)

With good pals in this world,
You loose desire for things,
With loss of this terrible desire,
You loose passion for life,
With loss for this passion,
You realise the truth, (Pray Govinda) 11

Gurucharanaambuja nirbhara bhaktha,
Samsarada chirabhava mukthaa,
Sendriya maanasa niyamaadevam,
Drakshyasi nija hrudayastham devam. (Bhaja Govindam)

With your mind trained,
By your spiritual guide,
You can cross the sea of life,
And once you cross the sea,
You can see the Govinda in your heart. (Pray Govinda) 12

Dwadasa pancharikaamaya esha.
Sishyaanaam kadhithohyuapadesha,
Yeshaam chithe naiva viveka.
Sthe pachyanthe narakamanekam. (Bhaja Govindam)

Twelve pearls of wisdom these,
Are taught to those,
Hungry souls,
Suffering all the life (Pray Govinda)

(Translated into free verse by P R Ramachander, Bangalore)

==================================

__________________________________________


Bhaja Govindam(18 VERSES )

Charpata Panjarika Stotra
(The eighteen gems of wisdom)

Adi Sankara Bhagvat Pada

Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam,
Govindam Bhaja Mooda Mathe,
Samprapthe sannihithe kale,
Nahi nahi rakshathi dookrunj karane.

Pray Govinda, Pray Govinda,
Pray Govinda, You fool,
For all the ken with you,
Will not be there,
When your end is near.

Dhinamapi rajani, sayam pratha,
Sisira vasanthou punarayatha,
Kala kreedathi gachat yayu,
Sthadapi na munjathyasa vayu (Bhaja Govindam)

Daily comes the night, eve and morn.
The autumn and spring,
Comes again and again every year.
Time forever plays with life,
But desire does not desert this body forever... (Pray Govinda) 1

Agre Vahni , prashte bhanu,
Rathrou chibuka samirpitha janu,
Karathala biksha taru thala vasa
Sthadhapi na munjathyasapasa. (Bhaja Govindam)

The sun in the back,
And the fire behind,
Prevents biting cold during the day,
Knees meet the chin during the night,
To keep one warm.
And food comes by the daily begging,
Life is spent below a tree,
But desire does not desert this body forever. (Pray Govinda) 2

Yavadvitho parjana saktha,
Sthavannija parivaro raktha
Paschat jeevathi jarajjara dehe,
Varthaam prucchathi ko apina gehe. (Bhaja Govindam)

Till you are able to earn,
The wealth that everybody yearns,
All the family you love,
Will love and care.
But when the cage of your body gets old,
They would not even ask you,
“How are you?” (Pray Govinda) 3

Jatilo mundee lunchitha kesa,
Kaashayambara bahu krutha vesha,
Pasyannapi cha na pasyathi lokaa
Hyudhara nimittam bahu krutha soka. (Bhaja Govindam)

Men with hairs overgrown,
Men with a shaved head,
Men with a well-cut hair,
Men with ochre robes,
See the world,
But pretend they don’t,
And suffer all the way,
To fill their belly forever. (Pray Govinda) 4

Bagavat geetha kinchid adheetha,
Gangaajalalava kanikaa peetha,
Sukrudhapi yasya murari samarcha,
Tasya yama kim kuruthe charchaam. (Bhaja Govindam)

Read and imbibe Bhagavat Gita,
Drink a drop of the holy Ganga,
At least once salute the Lord,
Then the God of death,
Will not bother you forever. (Pray Govinda) 5

Angam galitham palitham mundam,
Dasanaviheenam jatham thundam,
Vruddho yathi gruheetha dhandam,
Tadapi na munjathyaasa pindam. (Bhaja Govindam)

The limbs have become weak,
The head has become fully bald,
There are no teeth in the mouth,
And the old man totters with an aid of a stick,
But desire does not desert this body ever. (Pray Govinda) 6

Balasthavat kreedasaktha,
Stharunasthavath tharunee saktha,
Vrudha staavath chintha magna,
Parame brahmani kopi na lagna. (Bhaja Govindam)

The child’s mind is engaged in play,
The youth's mind is engaged in his lasses charms,
The old man’s mind is full of worries,
But no one thinks of the Ultimate Truth. (Pray Govinda) 7

Punarapi jananam punarapi maranam,
Punarapi janani jatare sayanam,
Iha samsaare khalu dusthare,
Krupayaa pare pahi murare. (Bhaja Govindam)

Again and again one is born,
And again and again one dies,
And again and again one sleeps in the mother’s womb,
Help me to cross,
This limitless sea of Life,
Which is uncrossable, my Lord (Pray Govinda) 8

Punarapi Rajani, punarai divasa,
Punaraip paksha, punarapi maasa,
Punarapyayanam, punarapi varsham,
Tadapi na munjityasaamarsham. (Bhaja Govindam)

Again and again this dark nights,
Again and again this luster full days,
Again and again these months and years,
But pride and desire never leaves you forever (Pray Govinda) 9

Vayasi gathe ka kama vikara,
Shushke neere ka kaasaara,
Nashte dravye ka parivaara,
Gnathe tathwe ka samasaara. (Bhaja Govindam)

Why this passion, when one totters with age,
Why the search for water in the dried up lake,
Why search for relations, when wealth dries,
There is no desire for life,
When you get real knowledge. Of truth (Pray Govinda) 10

Naree sthana bhara nabhi nivesam,
Mithyaa mayaa mohaavesam,
Ethan mamsavasaadhi vikaram,
Manasi vichinthaya vaaram vaaram. (Bhaja Govindam)

A lady’s busts divine,
Her bellies shapely,
They are but gates of deceit,
And the joy that is given out,
Is by flesh and fat alone..
Think of this,
Day in and day out (Pray Govinda) 11

Kasthwam Ko aham kutha ayatha?
Kaa me janani ko me thatha.
Ithi paribhavaaya sarvamasaaram,
Viswam tyakthwa swapna vichaaram. (Bhaja Govindam)

Who am I?
Where from did I come?
Who is my mother ?
Who is my father?
Think of these,
Realise that this world,
Is but a meaningless mirage,
And leave this dream-like world. (Pray Govinda) 12

Geyam Githa, Nama sahasram,
Dhyeyam sri pathi roopamajasram,
Neyam sajjana sange chittam,
Dheyam deenajanaaya cha vitham. (Bhaja Govindam)

Sing the Geetha,
And His thousand names,
Meditate on the Lord of Lakshmi,
Spend time with good souls,
Give all the wealth to the poor. (Pray Govinda) 13

Yavajjevo nivasathi dehe,
Kusalam thaavath prucchathi gehe,
Gathavathi vaayou dehaapaaye,
Baryaa bhibyasthi tasmin kaye. (Bhaja Govindam)

Till the breath is in the body,
All friends ask your welfare,
When it leaves your frame,
Even your darling wife,
Is full of fear of you, Hey fool (Pray Govinda) 14

Sukhadha kriyathe ramaa bhoga,
Paschatdandha sarere roga,
Yadyapi loke maranam saranam,
Tadapi na munchathi papacharanam. (Bhaja Govindam)

It is but for pleasure,
That a lady is sought,
Slowly the body gets sick,
The only path leads you,
To your death for sure,
Still no one leaves the sinful ways. (Pray Govinda) 15

Radhyaa charpata virachita kkandha,
Punyaapunya vivarjitha padha.
Naaham nathwa naayam loka,
Stadhapi kimartham kriyathe soka. (Bhaja Govindam)

Like collecting strewn rags all the way,
In life one collects sin and good deeds.
Realise that me or you,
Is not the truth.
In your newly-chartered path
Still why are you sad? (Pray Govinda) 16

Kuruthe Gangaa sagara gamanam,
Vrutha paripaalana madhava dhaanam,
Gnana viheena sarvamathena,
Mukthin na bhavathi janma sathena. (Bhaja Govindam)

Take bath in Ganga,
Take a dip in the ocean,
Observe penance,
Give money to charity.
All faiths tell you without fail,
And if you do not realise this truth,
Even in hundred lives,
You will not attain the Lord. (Pray Govinda) 17

Yoga ratho vaa bhogaratho vaa,
Sanga ratho vaa sanga viheena,
Yasya brahmani ramathe chittam,
Nandathi nandathi nandathyeva. (Bhaja Govindam)

You get joy,
Of meditation or passion,
Or you get joy,
In solitude or in company,
But all these are but impermanent.
Try to make your mind one,
With Para Brahmam,
That is the only permanent joy. (Pray Govinda) 18

Translated by P R Ramachander
http://www.geocities.com/ramya475

MADURAASHTAKAM-ENGLISH

Slokams

Hear & Down load Slokams

Madhurashtakam

Adharam Madhuram, Vadanam Madhram,
Nayanam Madhuram, Hasitham Maduram,
Hrudhayam Madhuram, Gamanam Maduram,
Madhuradhipather Akhilam Madhuram 1

Sweet are thine lips, Krishna,
So is thine sweet cherubic face,
Sweet are thine jet black eyes, Krishna
So is thine soulful laugh,
Sweet is thine loving heart, Krishna
So is thine beautiful gait,
Hey king of all sweetness in this world,
Everything about Thee is sweet.












Vachanam Madhuram, Charitham Madhuram,
Vasanam Madhuram, Valitham Madhuram,
Chalitham Madhuram, Bramitham Maduram,
Madhurathipather Akhilam Madhuram. 2

Sweet are thine sweetest words, Krishna,
So is thine divine story.
Sweet is the place of your stay , Krishna,
So is thine greatness,
Sweet are thine movements, Krishna,
So is thine confusion.
Hey king of all sweetness in this world,
Everything about Thee is sweet.

Venur Madhura, Renur Madhura,
Panir Madhura, Padhou Madhura,
Nrithyam Madhuram, Sakhyam Madhuram,
Madurathipather Akhilam Maduram 3

Sweet is thine flute , Krishna,
So is thine foot-dust,
Sweet are thine hands Krishna,
So are thine feet.
Sweet is thine dance Krishna,
So is thine friendship.
Hey king of all sweetness in this world,
Everything about Thee is sweet

Geetham Madhuram, Peetham Madhuram,
Bhuktham Madhuram,Suptham Madhuram,
Roopam Madhuram, Thilakam Madhuram
Madhurathipather akhilam Madhuram. 4

Sweet is thine song, Krishna,
So is what you drink,
Sweet is what you eat, Krishna,
So is your sleep,
Sweet are thine looks , Krishna,
So is thine Thilaka,
Hey king of all sweetness in this world,
Everything about Thee is sweet.

Karanam Madhram, Tharanam Madhuram,
Haranam Madhuram, Ramanam Madhuram,
Vamitham Madhuram, Samitham Maduram,
Madhurathipather Akhilam Madhuram. 5

Sweet are thine deeds, Krishna,
So is thine path of salvation,
Sweet is thine theft , Krishna,
So is thine play of love,
Sweet are thine oblations, Krishna,
So is thine tranquility,
Hey king of all sweetness in this world,
Everything about Thee is sweet

Gunja Madhura, Mala Madhura,
Yamuna Madhura, Veechi Madhura,
Salilam Madhuram, Kamalam Madhuram,
Madhurathipather Akhilam Madhuram. 6

Sweet is thine necklace of berries, Krishnam
So is thine garland,
Sweet is thine river Yamuna, Krishna,
So are the ripples in the river,
Sweet is thine water , Krishna,
So is the lotus in the water,
Hey king of all sweetness in this world,
Everything about Thee is sweet

Gopi Madhura, Leela Madhura,
Yuktham Madhuram, Muktham Madhuram,
Drishtam Madhuram,Sishtam Madhram,
Madhurathipather akhilam Madhuram… 7

Sweet are thine Gopis , Krishna,
So is thine playful sport,
Sweet are thine right thoughts,Krishna,
So is thine salvation,
Sweet is what you see, Krishna,
So is what is left out,
Hey king of all sweetness in this world,
Everything about Thee is sweet

Gopa Madhura, Gavo Madhura,
Yashtir Madhura, Srushtir Madhra,
Dhalitham Madhram, Phalitham Madhuram,
Madhurathipather akhilam Madhuram… 8

Sweet are thine Gopas , Krishna,
So are thine cows,
Sweet is thine staff, Krishna,
So is thine creation,
Sweet is what you trample , Krishna,
So are thine jokes,
Hey king of all sweetness in this world,
Everything about Thee is sweet

(Mahaprabhu Srimad Vallabhacharya (1479-1531)is one of the greatest sage-philosophers of India. He belonged to a Telugu family and was one of the foremost followers of Bhakti Marga. He established his philosophy of Pushti Marga in north India during the 16th century.His bhakti was much more than devotion. It was becoming mad in the thought of God. According to him, the devotee does not see anything except his Lord everywhere. ‘Madhurashtakam’, written by him, sees sweetness in his Lord inch by inch. This translation into verse has taken the liberty of adding the name of the Lord here and there so that the meaning is very clear and the translation becomes a verse.

(Translated by P Ramachander)
http://www.geocities.com/ramya475/GeneralIndex.htm

Mukunthamaalaa-English

These immortal verses were composed by a prince of the Chera dynasty called Kulashekara Azhwar (Called Kulashekara Perumal in Kerala.) He was also called Mudaliyandan Nambi . He was one of the 12 sages of the Bhakthi cult of Vaishnavism - Azhwars.

Mukunda Mala
by
Kulasekhara Azhwar

Vandhe mukunda maravindha dalayathaksham,
Kundhendu sankha dasanam Sishu gopa vesham,
Indradhi deva gana vandhitha pada peetham,
Vridhavanalaya maham Vasudeva soonum, 1

Salutations to him who has,
Long lotus like eyes,
Teeth as white as moon, jasmine and conch,
Whose feet is for ever worshipped,
By Indra and other Devas,
Who lives in Brindavana,
And who is the son of Vasudeva


Oh my lord who can only give delivarance,
Please make me capable of chanting every day,
Thy names such as,
Lord of all beings, He who can give all boons,
He who is the store house of mercy,
He who loves all his devotees,
He who can kill all problems of this world,
He who is Lord of everything,
He who sleeps on the serpent,
And He who lives everywhere in this universe.

Jayathu jayathu devo devaki nandhanoyam,
Jayathu jayathu krishno vrishni vamsa pradheepa,
Jayathu jayathu megha syamala komalango,
Jayathu jayathu prithvi bhara naso mukunda 2

Victory and victory to the son of Devaki,
Victory and victory to Krishna who belongs to family of Yadhu,
Victory and victory to him who is black as a cloud and who has pretty limbs,
Victory and victory to the Mukunda who lightens the earth .

Mukunda, murdhna prani pathya yache,
Bhavantha mekantha miyantha martham,
Avismrithi swacharanaravinde,
Bhave bhave meastha bhavat prasadath. 3

Hey Mukunda, With bowed head I beg of you,
A small favour alone and in secret,
Never should I forget your lotus like feet,
Please, please be kind enough to grant.

Sri Govinda padhombhoja,
Madhuna Mahadbutham,
Yath Payino na munchanthi,
Munchanthi yadhpaina.

The honey from the Lotus like feet of Govinda,
Is truly surprising,
People who get it never get released,
And people who do not get always get released

Naham vandhe thave charanayor dwndwamadwandha mahatho.
Kumbhi pakam guru mapi hare, narakam napanothum,
Ramya rama mrudhthu thanu latha anandhanena apirama
Bhave bhave hridaya bhavane bhaveyayam bhavantham. 4

I do not bow before your two great holy feet,
Oh God , to protect us from Kumbhi paka hell,
Nor do I for playing in the pretty graden,
Of sensuous tender bodies of bewitching damsels,
But with a request to keep your memory,
In the palace of my heart

forever,
From birth to birth.

Nastha dharmenavasu nichaye naiva kamopabhoghe,
Yadyath bhavyam bhavathu bhagawan poorva karmanuroopam,
Ethath prarthyam mama bahumatham janma janamathoropi,
Twatpadambhoruha yuga gatha nischala bhakthirasthu. 5

No interest I have in Dharma,
Nor in collection of wealth and assets,
Nor in passion and making love,
For what has been decided by you,
Will come to me in the form of karmas of the past,
But I have one soulful prayer to thee, my Lord,
In this birth and what follows,
Let me have rock like faith,
In thine two holy feet.

Divi va bhuvi va mamastu vaso
Narake va narakantaka prakamam
Avadhirita-sarada aravindau
Charanau the marane api chintayami 6

Lord, who is the killer of Narakasura.
Let me be in this world,
Or the ether world or nether world,
But make me remember even at my death,
Only your pretty lotus like feet

Chintayami harim eva santatam
Manda-hasa-muditananambujam
Nanda-gopa-tanayam parat param
Naradadi-muni-vrinda-vanditam 7

Always I think of Hari.
Whose smile adorns his lotus like face,
Who is the truth of truths,
Who is the son of Nanda Gopa,
And who is worshipped by sage Narada,
And crowds of sages like him.

Kara-charana-saroje kantiman-netra-mine
Srama-mushi bhuja-vichi-vyakule agadha-marge
Hari-sarasi vigahyapiya tejo-jalaugham
Bhava-maru-parichinnah klesam adya tyajami 8

Exhasted by the difficult path of life so far,
I will drink the water from the pond of Hari,
Where his hands and arms are the lotus flowers,
And his shining eyes are the pretty fish,
And leave the pains and aches of this earth forever.

Sarasija-nayane sa-sankha-chakre
Mura-bhidi ma viramasva chitta rantum
Sukha-taram aparam na jathu jane
Hari-charana-smarana amrithena tulyam 9

Oh mind, never stop thinking forever.
Of he who has lotus like eyes.
Of he who has the conch and the holy wheel,
And of he who has killed the asura called Mura,
For I do not know any other pleasure as equal or great
Than the memory of the nectar like feet of Hari.

Mabhir manda-mano vichintya bahudha yamis chiram yatana
Naivami prabhavanti papa-ripavah svami nanu sridharah
Alasyam vyapaniya bhakti-sulabham dhyayasva narayanam
Lokasya vyasanapanodana-karo dasasya kim na kshamah 10

Oh my foolish idiotic mind,
Do not fret and think,
Of the pains that God of death will give.
How can your foes and sin touch you ever,
Is not your master the great Lord Sridhraa?
Leave out this indifference ,
And pray Lord Narayana,
Who is easy to approach.
Will not that master.
Remove the sorrows of his slaves in a jiffy?

Bhava-jaladhi-gathanam dvandva-vata hatanam
Suta-duhitru-kalatra-thrana-bhararditanam
Vishama-vishaya-thoye majjatam aplavanam
Bhavati saranam eko vishnu-poto naranam. 11

Travelling in this sea of birth and death,
Being tossed hither and thither,
By the cyclone of love and hate,
Carrying the heavy care,
Of son , daughter and wife,
And being drowned,
In this troublesome sea of attachments,
The only boat to save us is our Lord Vishnu

Bhava-jaladhim agadham dustharam nisthareyam
Katham aham ithi cheto ma sma gah katharathvam
Sarasija-drisi deve tharaki bhaktir eka
Naraka-bhidi nishanna tarayishyaty avasyam 12

Do not fret and worry,
As to how you can cross,
This deep sea of life,
Which can never be crossed,
For the single-minded devotion,
To the God who killed the Naraka,
Will certainly take you across,
Without fail.

Trishna-toye madana-pavanoddhuta-mohormi-male
Daravarte tanaya-sahaja-graha-sanghakule cha
Samsarakhye mahati jaladhau majjatam nas tri-dhaman
Padambhoje vara-da bhavato bhakti-navam prayaccha 13

Drowning I am in this sea,
Of birth, death and life,
Because of the wind of passion,
Started by the God of love,
And because of the burden of attachment,
To the son I love,
To the wealth that I earned and keep,
To the wife for whom I yearn,
And so giver of blessings,
Please be kind to give me a place,
In the boat of devotion,
To thine lotus like feet and save.

Prithvi-renur anuh payamsi kanikah phalguh sphulingo laghus
Tejo nihsvasanam marut tanu-taram randhram su-sukshmam nabhah
Kshudra rudra-pitamaha-prabhritayah kinah samastah sura
Drishte yatra sa tarako vijayate sri-pada-dhuli-kanah 14

This earth becomes a particle of dust,
This water of the sea becomes but a single drop,
The raging fire becomes a tiny spark,
The blowing winds become a tiny movement,
The sky surrounding us becomes a small hole,
The lords Shiva and Brahma become insignificant,
And all the devas become like tiny insects,
If our Lord Mukunda is seen,
For the dust from his feet enslaves them all.

He! lokah srinutha prasuthi-marana-vyadhes chikitsam imam
Yoga-jnah samudaharanti munayo yam yajnavalkyadayah
Antar-jyothir ameyam ekam amritham krishnakhyam apiyatam
Tat pitam paramaushadham vitanute nirvanam atyantikam 15

Hey , people of the world,
Hear the panacea for birth, death and disease,
That has been told by sages great.
Steeped in ancient wisdom,
Like the Yagnavalkya,
It is the inner light alone,
Which like nectar,
And is the name "Krishna"
For when drunk this great nectar,
Grants the final liberation,
Which is complete and forever.

He! martyah paramam hitham srinutha vo vakshyami sankshepatah
Samsararnavam apad-urmi-bahulam samyak pravisya sthitah
Nana-jnanam apasya chetasi namo narayanayety amum
Mantram sa-pranavam pranama-sahitam pravartayadhvam muhuh 16

Hey men, hear what is really good for you,
In briefest possible words,
Drowned you have in the sea of existence,
Which has big waves of misfortune.
Which toss you hither and thither.
So leave out this futile search for jnana,
And oft chant "Om Narayana"
And bow before your lord.

Nathe nah purushottame tri-jagatam ekadhipe chetasa
Sevye svasya padasya dathari pare narayane thishthati
Yam kinchit purushadhamam kathipaya-gramesam alpartha-dam
Sevayai mrigayamahe naram aho mudha varaka vayam 17

Our Lord Narayana , the greatest among men,
Who rules alone the three worlds ,
Who can be served by mere control of breath,
Has come to share his all with us,
And come personally before us,
Yet we beg some lowly men,
Who rules a few villages,
For petty rewards and service.
What foolish wretches we are , alas.?

Baddhenanjalina nathena sirasa gatraih sa-romodgamaih
Kanthena svara-gadgadena nayanenodgirna-bashpambuna
Nityam tvachranaravinda-yugala-dhyanamritasvadinam
Asmakam sarasiruhaksha satatam sampadyatam jivitam 18

With bowed head and joined hands,
We pray our Lord,
With hairs standing erect ,
And with tottering voice we repeat his names,
With swelling tears we request the Lord Narayana,
"Please allow us to drink the nectar,
From your two lotus like feet,
And carry on our lives for us,
Oh, Lord who is lotus-eyed"

Yat krishna-pranipatha-dhuli-dhavalam thath varshma thad vai siras
Thea nethre tamasojjhite su-ruchire yabhyam harir drisyathe
Sa buddhir vimalendu-sankha-dhavala ya madhava-dhyayini
Sa jihvamrita-varshiti prati-padam ya stauti narayanam 19

The head with white dust is loftiest,
Where the dust is collected by bowing to our Lord,
Those eyes which have left ignorance,
After seeing Lord Hari are the prettiest,
That brain which meditates on Lord Madhava,
Has the white glow of the moon and the conch,
And that tongue always showers nectar,
Which praises and glorifies Lord Narayana.

Jihve kirthaya kesavam mura-ripum cheto bhaja sridharam
Pani-dvandva samarchayachyuta-kathah srotra-dvaya thvam srunu
Krishnam lokaya lochana-dvaya harer gacchanghri-yugamalayam
Jighra ghrana mukunda-pada-tulasim murdhan namadhokshajam 20

Oh tongue, sing the praises of Kesava,
Oh mind, praise the Lord who killed Mura,
Oh hands, serve the Lord Sridhara,
Of ears, hear the stories extolling Achyutha
Oh eyes, see always lord Krishna,
Oh feet, go to the temples of Hari,
Oh nose, smell the thulasi,
From the two holy feet of Lord Mukunda,
And oh head, bow before Lord Adhokshaja.

Amnayabhyasanany aranya-ruditham veda-vrathany anv-aham
Medas-cheda-phalani purtha-vidhayah sarvam hutam bhasmani
Tirthanam avagahanani cha gaja-snanam vina yat-pada-
Dvandvambhoruha-samsmritim vijayate devah sa narayanah 21

Recitation of holy words is but a cry in the forest,
Observation of penance of the Vedas is but a slimming exercise,
Holy sacrifices observed are but pouring ghee into ashes.
Bathing in holy rivers is but a bath of an elephant,
If done without the memory of his lotus feet,
And so victory to the Lord Narayana.

Madana parihara sthitim madhiye
Manasi mukunda-padaravinda-dhamni
Hara-nayana-krisanuna kriso 'si
Smarasi na chakra-parakramam murarer. 22

Oh God of love, change your place of residence from my mind,
For my mind is occupied by the lotus feet of Mukunda,
Ere long ago have you not been burnt by the fiery look of Hara,
And still you forget the holy wheel of Lord Murari.

Nathe dhathari bhogi-bhoga-sayane narayane madhave
Deve devaki-nandane sura-vare chakrayudhe sarangini
Lilasesha-jagat-prapancha-jathare visvesvare sridhare
Govinde kuru chitta-vrittim achalam anyais tu kim vartanai 23

Never forget the Hari who sleeps on the serpent,
And who is also called Narayana and Madhava,
Who is the darling son of Devaki,
Who is venerated by Devas,
Who has the holy wheel and the bow Saranga as weapon,
Who holds the world as if it is a play,
Who is the Lord of the universe,
Who is the Lord Sridhara.
Who takes care of cows,
And make your mind unwaveringly firm on him,
For what else can you gain by any other way?

Ma draksham kshina-punyan kshanam api bhavato bhakti-hinan padabje
Ma srausham sravya-bandham tava charitam apasyanyad akhyana-jatam
Ma smarsham madhava tvam api bhuvana-pathe chetasapahnuvanan
Ma bhuvam tvat-saparya-vyatikara-rahito janma-janmantare api 24

Let not my glances fall on those,
Who do not have devotion to your feet,
Let not me hear any other thing,
Except the stories of your exploits,
Let not me think of those,
Who do not think of thee, Madhava,
And let not me become unable,
To serve you even in a menial way,
Birth after birth.

Maj-janmanah phalam idam madhu-kaitabhare
Math-prarthaniya-mad-anugraha esha eva
Tvad-bhrithya-bhrithya-paricharaka-bhrithya-bhrithya-
Bhrithyasya bhrithya iti mam smara loka-natha 25

The result of my life,
Oh god who killed Madhu and Kaitabha,
And the prayer and also my blessing
Would be oh, Lord of the earth,
If you can make me,
To be thy servant's, servant's,
Assistant's servant's servant's,
Servant's servant.

Tattvam bruvanani param paras tan
Madhu ksharantiva mudavahani
Pravartaya pranjalir asmi jihve
Namani narayana-gocharani 26

His names indicating the supreme truth,
Would give you as much pleasure,
As constant dripping of honey,
And so I pray with folded hands, Oh my tongue,
Repeat endlessly the various names of Lord Narayana.

Namami Narayana-pada-pankajam
Karomi narayana-pujanam sada
Vadami narayana-nama nirmalam
Smarami narayana-tattvam avyayam 27

I prostrate at the lotus feet of Narayana,
I always do worship of Narayana,
I recite the pure names of Narayana,
And I meditate on the truth behind Narayana.

Sri-natha narayana vasudeva
Sri-krishna bhakta-priya chakra-pane
Sri-padmanabhachyuta kaitabhare
Sri-rama padmaksha hare murare 28

Lord of Lakshmi, Narayana, Vasudeva,
Sri Krishna, Darling of devotees, Wielder of the holy wheel,
Sri Padmanabha, Achyutha, Kaita bhare,
Sri Rama, Lotus eyed Lord, Hari, He who killed Mura,

Ananta vaikuntha mukunda krishna
Govinda damodara madhaveti
Vaktum samartho api na vakthi kaschid
Aho jananam vyasanabhimukhyam 29

Oh endless one, Vaikuntha, Mukunda, Krishna,
Govinda, He who was tied by a rope in his belly, Madhava,
All of us are able to call you any of these,
But we never call you these,
See how eager all of us are,
To see our own peril.

Bhaktapaya-bhujanga-garuda-manis trailokya-raksha-manir
Gopi-lochana-chatakambuda-manih saundarya-mudra-manih
Yah kanta-mani-rukmini-ghana-kucha-dvandvaika-bhusha-manih
Sreyo deva-sikha-manir disathu no gopala-chuda-manih 30

Hey, jewel riding on the back of Garuda,
Hey, jewel taking care of all the three worlds,
Hey, jewel attracting the eyes of Gopis like the Chataka bird,
Hey, jewel which is the signal of beauty,
The only jewel on the breasts of Rukhmani,
Who herself is a jewel among your consorts,
Hey crown jewel of all gods,
Hey, Gopala who is the supreme jewel,
Please show us the way.

Satru-cchedaika-mantram sakalam upanishad-vakya-sampujya-mantram
Samsaroccheda-mantram samuchita-tamasah sangha-niryana-mantram
Sarvaisvaryaika-mantram vyasana-bhujaga-sandashta-santhrana-mantram
Jihve sri-krishna-mantram japa japa sathatham janma-saphalya-mantram 31

Mantra which kills all enemies,
Mantra which is worshipped,
By each and every word of Upanishads.
Mantra which cuts the bonds of the world,
Mantra which drives away.
The darkness of ignorance,
Mantra which helps in attaining all riches,
Mantra which cures the snake bite,
Of worldly worries,
Is the name of Sri Krishna,
And so tongue always chant it,
And get deliverance from life.

Vyamoha-prasam aushadham muni-mano-vritti-pravritty-aushadham
Daityendrarti-karaushadham tri-bhuvane sanjivanaikaushadham
Bhaktatyanta-hitaushadham bhava-bhaya-pradhvamsanaikaushadham
Sreyah-prapti-karaushadham piba manah sri-krishna-divyaushadham 32

Medicine that cures improper desires,
Medicine in the minds of sages,
Which makes them to meditate,
Medicine for controlling king among Rakshasas,
Medicine which gives life to the three worlds,
Medicine which cures the travails of devotees,
Medicine that cures fear of existence,
Medicine that can bring all glory,
Is the holy medicine of Sri Krishna.
And so, devotees drink it to your fill..

Krishna tvadiya-pada-pankaja-panjarantam
Adyaiva me visatu manasa-raja-hamsah
Prana-prayana-samaye kapha-vata-pittaih
Kanthavarodhana-vidhau smaranam kutas te 33

Krishna, within your feet which are like lotus stems,
How can my mind which is like a royal swan enter?
When the soul is ready to depart,
And when bile air and phlegm,
Choke my throat,
How will I ever remember your holy name?

Chetas chintaya kirthayasva rasane namri-bhava thvam siro
Hastav anjali-samputam rachayatam vandasva dirgham vapuh
Atman samsraya pundarika-nayanam nagachalendra-sthitam
Dhanyam punya-tamam thad eva paramam daivam hi sat-siddhaye 34

Oh mind, sing of our Lord,
Oh head, bow before him,
Oh hands, join your hands in supplication,
Oh body, do obeisance to him,
Oh soul, make him your refuge,
Him who reclines on mountain of snake,
Him who is auspicious,
Him who is holy of holies,
Him who is the greatest God,
And Him who leads to the only truth.

Srunvan janardana-katha-guna-kirtanani
Dehe na yasya pulakodgama-roma-rajih
Nothpadyathe nayanayor vimalambu-mala
Dhik tasya jivitam aho purushadhamasya 35

Hearing the stories and nature of Lord Janardhana,
In whose body the hairs do not stand erect,
And in whose eyes the pure garland of tears does not form,
See for yourself, the man who is basest of humans.

Andhasya me hritha-viveka-maha-dhanasya
Chauraih prabho balibhir indriya-namadheyaih
Mohandha-kupa-kuhare vinipatitasya
Devesa dehi kripanasya karavalambam 36

Blind I have become of the great riches of discrimination,
For the thieves of senses have stolen them from me,
And thrown me into the blind well of passion,
And so Lord, please extend your hands of support to this wretch.

Idam sariram parinama-pesalam
Pathaty avasyam satha-sandhi-jarjaram
Kim aushadham pricchasi mudha durmate
Niramayam krishna-rasayanam piba 37

This body which will change over time,
Would one day fall after its hundred joints stiffen,
Why are you in search of other medicines, you fool,
Only drink deep the elixir of Lord Krishna.

Ascharyam ethad dhi manushya-loke
Sudham parityajya visham pibanti
Namani narayana-gocharani
Tyaktvanya-vacah kuhakah pathanti 38

Wonderful is this world of men,
Leaving out nectar they drink poison,
Not repeating the names of Narayana,
The ignorant go on telling all other words.

Tyajantu bandhavah sarve
Nindantu guravo janah
Tathapi paramanando
Govindo mama jivanam 39

Relatives and friends have abandoned me,
All the elders scold me always,
But in spite of it, the supreme bliss,
Of Govinda is my life.

Sathyam brovami manujah svayam urdhva-bahur
Yo yo mukunda narasimha janardaneti
Jivo japaty anu-dinam marane rane va
Pashana-kashtha-sadrisaya dadaty abhishtam 40

Hey man, I shout the truth with raised hands,
All of whom, who meditate in death and war,
Of Mukunda, Narasimha and Janardhana,
Would think of his own desires as worthless,
Worse than stone and deadwood forever.

Narayanaya nama ity amum eva mantram
Samsara-ghora-visha-nirharanaya nityam
Srinvanthu bhavya-matayo yatayo anuragad
Ucchais taram upadisamy aham urdhva-bahuh 41

The hearing of the mantra 'Om Namo Narayana'
Is the panacea for the everyday dark poisonous material life,
With compassion I utter this to the sages who have renounced the world,
And shout this at the top of my voice and with raised hands.

Chittam naiva nivarthate kshanam api sri-krishna-padambujat
Nindantu priya-bandhava guru-jana grihnanthu munchantu va
Durvadam parighoshayantu manuja vamse kalanke astu va
Tadrik prema-dharanuraga-madhuna mattaya manam tu me 42

Mind of mine never for a moment
Not think of the lotus feet of Krishna,
Let my dear relations and friends,
Elders and the ordinary ones,
Scold and berate me,
Let the evil ones spread with gusto,
Gossips about bad things of my family,
For an intoxicated mad mind of mine,
It is sufficient to have only His nectar of love.

Krishno rakshatu no jagat-traya-guruh krishnam namadhvam sada
Krishnenakhila-satravo vinihatah krishnaya tasmai namah
Krishnad eva samutthitam jagad idam krishnasya daso asmy aham
Krishne tishthati visvam etad akhilam he krishna rakshasva mam 43

Krishna is the teacher of the three worlds and protects us,
And so without stop bow before Lord Krishna,
Krishna has killed all our enemies in this universe,
Salutations to Krishna,
All the world has come from Krishna,
I am the humble slave of Krishna,
All the world is within Krishna,
Oh Krishna, protect me forever.

Hey gopalaka, Hey kripa-jalanidHe, Hey sindhu-kanya-pate
Hey kamsantaka, Hey gajendra-karuna-parina, Hey madhava
Hey ramanuja, Hey jagat-traya-guro, Hey pundarikaksha mam
Hey gopijana-natha palaya param janami na tvam vina 44

Hey, cowherd boy, Hey, ocean of mercy,
Hey, darling of the daughter of the sea,
Hey, slayer of Kamsa,
Hey, Lord who showered mercy on the king of elephants,
Hey, Madahava, Hey, brother of Balarama,
Hey, master of the three worlds,
Hey, my lord with lotus eyes,
Hey, Lord of all gopis,
Know I none greater than you,
And so protect me.

Dara varakara-vara-sutha the tanujo virincih
Stotra vedas tava sura-gana bhritya-vargah prasadah
Mukthir maya jagad avikalam tavaki devaki thwa
Mata mithram bala-ripu-sutas tat tvad anyam na jane 45

Your wife is the daughter of the sea,
Your son is Brahma who creates the world,
Chants about you are the holy Vedas,
Devas are your servant force,
Liberation from this world is your sport,
Devaki is your mother,
Arjuna the invincible enemy is your friend,
And so I do not know anyone else but you.

Pranamam isasya sirah-phalam vidhus
Tad-archanam prani-phalam divaukasah
Manah-phalam tad-guna-tattva-chintanam
Vacah-phalam tad-guna-kirtanam budhah 46

Prostration to God is supreme duty of the head,
Worship with flowers the duty of the life breath,
Thought of his goodness is the duty of the mind,
And singing of his praise is the duty of the speech,
So say the divine ones living in the sky.

Sriman-nama prochya narayanakhyam
Ke na prabhur vanchitam papino api
Ha nah purvam vak-pravritta na tasmims
Tena praptam garbha-vasadi-duhkham 47

By calling aloud the name of Lord Narayana,
Even the sinner is blessed with his desires,
Possibly we had not used the power of speech in last earlier life,
Which resulted in the sorrow of us living in the womb

Dhyayanti ye vishnum anantam avyayam
Hrit-padma-madhye satatam vyavasthitam
Samahitanam satatabhaya-pradam
Te yanti siddhim paramam tu vaishnavim 48

He who meditates on Vishnu, the limitless and folly less,
Who is present on a lotus in the middle of the heart,
And who grants the one who meditates, fearlessness,
Will get for sure the perfection great of a Vaishnava.

Tat tvam prasida bhagavan kuru mayy anathe
Vishno kripam parama-karunikah khalu tvam
Samsara-sagara-nimagnam ananta dinam
Uddhartum arhasi hare purushottamo asi 49

Shower your mercy on me my Lord,
You are the Vishnu who is the most merciful,
For this sinner is drowned in this endless sea of material life,
And merits your help Hey, Hari , Hey Purushottama

Kshira-sagara-tarangarasikara-
Sara-tarakita-charu-murtaye
Bhogi-bhoga-sayaniya-saayine
Madhavaya madhu-vidvishe namah 50

To the one sprayed with drops from the waves of the ocean of milk,
Who has the pretty form of stars in the sky,
Who reclines on the bed of the serpent,
Who is Madhava and the killer of Madhu,
Are my heart felt salutations.

Alam alam alam eka praninam patakanam
Nirasana-vishaye ya krishna krishneti vani
Yadi bhavati mukunde bhaktir ananda-sandra
Karatala-kalina sa moksha-samrajya lakshmih 51

Suffice, suffice and suffice it is for all sins of a being,
To be driven away forever,
By the repetition of 'Krishna' and 'Krishna'
But if one has the ecstasy of devotion to Mukunda,
He will have always in his hand liberation, influence and riches.

Yasya priyau sruti-dharau kavi-loka-virau
Mitrau dvi-janma-vara-padma-sarav abhutam
Tenambujaksha-charanambuja-shat-padena
Rajna krita kritir iyam kulasekharena 52

Friends of mine, intellects great,
Who were heroes in the world of poets,
Belonging to the twice born caste,
Are the lotus stems pretty,
And these poems dedicated to the lotus feet of the lotus-eyed,
Were composed by the king called Kulashekara.

Mukunda-malam pathatam naranam
Asesha-saukhyam labhate na kah svit
Samasta-papa-kshayam etya dehi
Prayati vishnoh paramam padam tat 53

All men who read the verses of Mukunda Mala
Will achieve all happiness in life,
And their sins would be pardoned,
And will travel to the supreme abode of Vishnu.

(Concluded)


(Translated by P Ramachander)