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Dikshitar"s Maha Lakshmi Krithis--4.1

From the Bhakti List Archives

V. Sadagopan • May 10, 1996 


The fourth of the seven Krithis composed by
Dikshitar is in ragam Madhava Manohari, a Janya 
ragam of the Melam Hari Hara Priyaa (Karaharapriyaa).

The name of this rakthi ragam itself has sacred 
connotations . It is  a feminine raga devatha symbloising 
the Mangala  Devathaa , who charmed the mind of Maadhavaa.
It is instructive to understand the significance of 
the name Maadhavaa, so that one can understand the power of the 
Lady, who stole the mind of Maadhavaa .

The  name Maadhavaa is the 169th Sahasra Namam of 
Vishnu. There are two explanations for this name. First,
Niruktham says: " He is  Maadhava since He propounds 
the true knowledge about Himself as the supreme being .
The knowledge of Hari is called "Maa" .Thou art the master of
that knowledge. Therefore Thou art known as Maadhavaa .
"Dhavah " means Lord. The  second explanation is given in
Maha Bharata to Arjyna: " O Bharata!  Know that He is called
Maadhavaa since He is endowed with Mauna (Maa), Dhyanaa 
(Dha) and Yoga (Va). He is thus the embodiment of Silence,
meditation and practice (Maadhavan ). Maha Lakshmi ,who
allures the Lord  Maadhavaa"s mind (Manohari ) is hence
known as Maadhava Manohari.  There are no other krithis
known in this ragaa. Dikshitar chose an appropriate Ragam 
with such powerful meaning for saluting Mahaa Lakshmi..

The Sahitya Vaakyams of this rare Krithi are:

Pallavi :      Mahaa Lakshmi Karunaaa Rasa Lhari
                    Maamava Madhava Manohari , Sri

Anupallavi: Mahaa Vishnu Vakshasthalavaasini
                     Mahaadeva Guru Guha Viswaasini
                     Maha Paapa Prasamani ManonmaNi
                     Maara Janani Mangala Pradhaayini

Charanam: Ksheera Saagara Sudeh Veda Nuteh
                      Kshitheesaadhi Mahiteh siva Sahiteh
                      Bharathi Rathee Sasee pujiteh
                      Bhakti Yukta Maanasa Viraajiteh
                      Vaarijaasanaathyamara Vanditeh
                      Neerajaasanasteh sumansasteh
                      Saarasa hasteh sadhaa Namasteh 

In the Pallavi, Dikshitar placed the Raga Mudraa . 
Then he recognized Her as KaruNaa Rasa Lahari.
As the divine Mother of All, Her compassion is 
boundless .She intercedes in Her Purushakaara role
with Her Lord so that  all of our trespasses can be
forgiven . Dikshitar visualizes Her as the Ocean with
rolling waves of Compassion. He begs for Her Karunaa
Kataksham. Dikshitar's appeal to the compassionate 
aspect of Mahaa Lakshmi reminds one of the famous
slokam of Swami Desikan:

SAANUPRAASA PRAKATITHA DHAYAI : 
SAANDRA VAATSALYA DIGDHAI :
AMBHA SNIGDHAI: AMRUTALAHAREE
LABDHA SABRAHMACHARYAI : I
KARMEH TAAPATRAYA VIRACHITEH
GAATA TAPTHAM KSHANAM MAAM
AAKINCHINYAGLAPHITAMANAGAI: 
AARDHRAYETHAA: KATAKSHAI : II

Swami Desikan refers to Amrutha Lahari ,
when he thinks of the power of Her Kataksha
Mahima. The most merciful waves emanating 
from those glances rejuvenate one and cause
immortality . Swami Desikan prayed for relief
from the scorching afflictions of  three kinds 
(viz)., Aadayaatmikam, Aadhi Daivikam and 
Aadhi Bowdhikam . For Swami Desikan ,
Her glances were like waves of Nectar, most 
friendly (Snigdhai:) and destroyers of sins . He 
prays for Her to cool him from the sufferings 
caused by the three Taapas. In this spirit , 
Dikshitar hailed Her as Karunaa Lahari and 
asks Her to protect him (Maamava Karunaa Lahari ).

ANUPALLAVI VAAKYAS: