The Hindu : Merit of chanting the Divine name

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 11, 2002

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Merit of chanting the Divine name

CHENNAI APRIL 11. The glory of the Divine name is an abiding theme in the hymns of saints and mystics because of its potency and the ease with which the names can be handled by one and all. Worship of God in temples or homes requires certain procedures. Devotion also requires sustained effort on the part of the devotee. On the other hand, the names of the Almighty chanted either by Japa (repetition) or sung in the form of hymns, which embody His names, can be undertaken by anyone at anytime. The spiritual merit of this practice has been proven in the lives of devotees and mystics who have envisioned God. In fact, Tondaradippodi Azhwar in his hymn Tirumalai goes to the extent of telling Lord Ranganatha that His devotees are able to win over the agents of the god of Death, Yama, by repeating His names.

Tirumangai Azhwar also voices a similar sentiment. In his Periya Tirumozhi he cites several instances of His grace, which gave him the courage to approach the Lord of Srirangam. The commentary on this hymn throws insight into the parallels between the Ramayana and this Azhwar's expressions. The Azhwar points out that Rama did not treat Guha as a menial boatman but instead addressed him as His brother and friend when Sita was by His side. These endearing words haunted the Azhwar and instilled hope in his heart about the Lord's boundless compassion. He also draws attention to the role of a mediator assumed by the Divine Mother when a devotee surrenders to the Lord. The Divine Mother is the very embodiment of compassion and when the Almighty is approached through Her, He overlooks the lapses of the devotee.

In his discourse, Therazhundur Sri Ramabadrachariar said Tirumangai Azhwar waxed eloquent remembering the singular grace showered on Hanuman. The Ramayana says that when Hanuman returned with the good news of Sita's whereabouts in Lanka, Rama hugged him with gratitude, a rare blessing in this incarnation of God. This Azhwar says, " `Son of wind, just a monkey and animal', not addressing the different Hanuman thus, You gave Your love that was more than the ocean saying that nothing could repay him for his service... May I also stand by and enjoy You." Hanuman could successfully accomplish the task of locating Sita only by the strength of Rama's name. Likewise, during His Krishna incarnation, His name Govinda came to the rescue of Draupadi when she called out to Him in distress.

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Merit of chanting the Divine name

dated April 11, 1952: C.R. assumes office as C.M.

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