Uddana sastri.

 Kokasandēśam (കോകസന്ദേശം) is a 14th-century Sanskritized Malayalam sandēśa kāvya (message poem) written by Uddanda Śāstrī, a Brahmin scholar from Tamil Nadu who lived in Kerala. The poem follows the tradition of Meghadūta by Kālidāsa, where a messenger (here, a crow) is sent to deliver a message from a lovesick hero to his beloved.

Guruvayur in Kokasandēśam

In the poem, Uddanda Śāstrī describes several places in Kerala, including the famous Guruvayur Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan (Krishna). The poet, being a great devotee and a learned scholar, praises Guruvayur as a divine place where Lord Krishna manifests in his full glory.

 key aspects of Guruvayur as described in Kokasandēśam

1 A Sacred Abode of Krishna – The temple is depicted as a celestial place where devotees experience the divine presence of Lord Krishna.

2. Pilgrimage Destination – Uddanda Śāstrī refers to the influx of devotees who visit Guruvayur seeking blessings and liberation (moksha).

3. A Place of Miracles – The poet alludes to the miraculous powers of Lord Guruvayurappan, reinforcing the temple’s reputation as a center of divine grace.

4. Spiritual Ambience – The description includes the serene and sacred atmosphere of the temple, with the chanting of hymns and the devotion of priests and devotees.

In Kokasandēśam, Uddanda Śāstrī provides a vivid portrayal of the place referred to as "Kuruvayur," which is believed to be the ancient name for Guruvayur. He describes the temple's majestic compound walls, likening them to a fort, and highlights the presence of temple elephants playfully engaging within the premises. The narrative also emphasizes the throngs of devotees who gather to have a darshan (sacred viewing) of the deity and to receive prasadam (consecrated offerings) from the priests. The ambiance is enriched with the peal of bells and the fragrance emanating from incense sticks and camphor, painting a lively and soulful picture of the temple's atmosphere. 

It's noteworthy that in Kokasandēśam, the place is mentioned as "Kuruvayur." Scholars suggest that "Kuru" in Dravidian languages implies "kunnu" (mountain), and "vay" denotes "border." Thus, "Kuruvayur" can be interpreted as "the border of the hillock." Over time, this name evolved, and with Sanskritization and the influence of various poets, it transformed into the present name, "Guruvayur." 

Through these descriptions, Uddanda Śāstrī not only highlights the architectural and natural beauty of Guruvayur but also underscores its spiritual significance, capturing the devotion and reverence that the temple inspired during his time.

1. Description of Guruvayur (Kuruvayur)

Verse:

"श्रीकृष्णस्य पदाम्बुजं भज मनः श्रीकण्ठपादार्चितं।"

Meaning:

"O mind, worship the lotus feet of Lord Krishna, which are adored by Lord Shiva himself."

In this verse, Uddanda Śāstrī emphasizes the supreme divinity of Lord Krishna at Guruvayur, portraying the temple as a sacred place worthy of worship.

2. Vivid Imagery of Kerala's Temples and Devotion

Verse:

"संपूर्णजलदो नीलो गिरिराज इव स्थितः।

यत्र भक्तजनाः सर्वे लभन्ते परमां गतिम्॥"

Meaning:

"A grand temple, standing like a dark raincloud or a blue mountain, where all devotees attain the supreme goal of life."

This highlights the temple’s majesty and its importance as a center of salvation.

3. Praise of Guruvayur’s Devotional Atmosphere

Verse:

"यत्र नृत्यन्ति गोपा गीयन्ते हरिसंस्तुतयः।

यत्र भक्तजनैः सर्वैः पूज्यते भगवान् स्वयं॥"

Meaning:

"Where cowherds dance, hymns in praise of Hari are sung, and where the Supreme Lord himself is worshiped by all devotees."

This portrays the lively and devotional atmosphere of Guruvayur, filled with music, dance, and worship.

4. Spiritual Power of Guruvayur

Verse:

"गुरुपवनपुरे रम्ये वासुदेवः स्वयं स्थितः।

भक्तानां दुःखहन्त्री स्यात् सदा सर्वेश्वरो हरिः॥"

Meaning:

"In the beautiful town of Guruvayur, Lord Vasudeva resides. He is the destroyer of the sorrows of devotees and the Supreme Lord of all."

This reaffirms Guruvayur as a sacred space where Lord Krishna grants relief and blessings to his devotees.

Other works  

Verse 1:

प्रायः श्रीकण्ठपादाम्बुजवनभुवि निःशङ्कमङ्कुर्यते यद्वाञ्छाफलसंपदं जनयितुं श्रीकोकिलः प्रेष्यते।

(Prāyaḥ śrīkaṇṭha-pādāmbuja-vana-bhuvi niḥśaṅkam aṅkuryate yad-vāñchā-phala-saṁpadaṁ janayituṁ śrī-kokilaḥ preṣyate।)

"To fulfill the desired fruits, the auspicious cuckoo is sent without hesitation to the grove of lotus feet of Lord Śrīkaṇṭha (Shiva)."

This opening verse sets the stage for the messenger poem, where the cuckoo is chosen as the messenger to convey the protagonist's message to his beloved.

Verse 2:

संपूर्णाः सन्तु सन्तः कुसुमसुकुमाराः सुमनसः स्फुरन्त्यः सन्तु कान्ताः शिशिरमधुरासः शिशिरताः।

(Saṁpūrṇāḥ santu santaḥ kusuma-sukumārāḥ sumanasaḥ sphurantyaḥ santu kāntāḥ śiśira-madhurāsaḥ śiśiratāḥ।)

"May the virtuous be complete, like delicate flowers; may the gentle-hearted flourish; may the beloved ones be cool and sweet like nectar."

This verse expresses a blessing, wishing well-being and prosperity to the virtuous and gentle-hearted, comparing them to delicate flowers and sweet nectar.

Verse 3:

कान्तारं गच्छ कान्तारमिति निगदितोऽप्यन्यथा मन्यते यः।

(Kāntāraṁ gaccha kāntāram iti nigadito'py anyathā manyate yaḥ।)

"He who, when told 'Go to the forest' (kāntāram), interprets it as 'Go to the beloved' (kāntāram)."

This verse plays on the word "kāntāram," which can mean both "forest" and "beloved," highlighting the protagonist's single-minded focus on his love, interpreting every word in the context of his beloved.

Verse 4:

सर्वाङ्गैः सुभगाङ्गि संगमविधौ संप्रार्थितुं मन्मथः।

(Sarvāṅgaiḥ subhagāṅgi saṅgama-vidhau saṁprārthituṁ manmathaḥ।)

"With all limbs, O lovely-limbed one, Cupid desires to seek union."

In this verse, the protagonist describes the intense desire of Cupid (the god of love) to unite with the beloved, emphasizing her enchanting beauty.

Verse 5:

त्वद्वारं प्रविशन्ति प्रतिदिनमपरे कामिनः कामिनीनां।

(Tvad-dvāraṁ praviśanti pratidinam apare kāminaḥ kāminīnāṁ।)

"Through your door, every day, other lovers enter to meet their beloveds."

This verse reflects the protagonist's jealousy and longing, observing that while other lovers can meet their beloveds freely, he is separated from his own.