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Stotram and doubt

From the Bhakti List Archives

Kalyani Krishnamachari • January 19, 1998 


Namaskarams!

Thanks Shree for the "rare" maruthi stotram. I got
the exact Sanskrit version from 
ftp://jaguar.cs.utah.edu/private/sanskrit/marathi/bhiima.gif.

I came across a slokam on sanIswaran (source unknown); it is said to be 
composed by King daSaratha. DaSaratha, on learning that he and his country are 
going to be afflicted by sani for seven and a half years, attempts to go and 
fight with sani, who is surprised to find someone who is ready to fight with
him without being scared.  A pleased sani offers to give a boon to daSaratha,
who praises him with the slokam beginning with "nama: krshNAya nIlAya".
Sani is even more pleased and agrees not to harm his people for the 
seven and a half years (as requested by daSaratha).  He grants an additional 
boon saying he will not harm anyone who chants this slokam composed by 
daSaratha.

Ever since I joined the bhakti list, I have stopped chanting the
individual navagraham slokams (in a more SrI vaishNavaite spirit)
and have been chanting only the two slokams on navagraham ("kanakarucirA 
kAvyAkyAdA" and "rAmAvatAra:" composed by swAmi dESikan).  

I know that my (very srIvaishNavaite) aunt never used to even partake the 
tIrtham given in individual Anjaneyar temples (she would take it if it is a 
rAma temple). On the other hand, I am told that praying to AnjanEya will
ward off the evil effects from sani.

I understand that once you do prapatti to perumal, you do not have to 
worry about praying to other gods for mundane reasons. 

But, is it wrong if you say slokams for hanumAn or sani if you are 
afflicted by sani (even though in your heart of hearts, you have pledged
allegiance to perumal)? (One argument in favor of pleasing grahams that
give bad effects was given by a priest (saivaite) here: when you see a duSHTA, 
why not put a "kumbidu" and stay out of way).

I am sorry if I am starting some issue for discussion if it has already
been discussed earlier. This is just as a result of my "stupid" doubt/s.

adiyEn,

Kalyani Krishnamachari