Tuesday, May 22, 2012

q. Explain how Sriman Narayana is considered as supreme in Srivaishnavism and bring out his five forms.


The term Vaishnavism has to be distinguished from the term Srivaishnavism. Srivaishnavism expressly denotes the role of Vishnu as Sriyah pati (the consort of SRI i.e. Lakshmi ) Vishnu along with Sri occupies the supreme position. Vaishnavism is the name of the religion and visistadvaita is the philosophy of this religion.
In Srivaishnava tradition "SRI" i.e. Lakshmi occupies a pivital position.
The word Sri has several interpretations all pointing to her unique position as the consort of the Lord and the mediator between Him and the erring humanity. She appeals to the Lord to forgive the sins of the jivatma. Therefore Sri means:
a. One who removes all our sins.
b. One who nourishes the world by her virtue.
c. One who is resorted to by all beings.
d. One who stays in the highest abode.
e. One who hears and appeals.
f. One who passes on the appeals to the Lord.
Yamunacharya in his Chatus sloki describes Lakshmi as the godesses of plenty, prosperity compassion and supreme authority. She stays in the Nitya Vibhuthi along with Vishnu. Without her grace, no man can aspire for any welfare either in this world or the other. Even liberation comes only with her recomendation.
to be continued.

No comments: