Shri Harikathaamruthasaara Part 5

Daasavaryam Dayaayuktam Doorikrutha Durashisham

Harikatha amrutha saara Vakthaaram Jagannatha Gurum Bhaje

Our salutations to Guru Jagannatha Daasaru, the composer of

Harikatha amrutha saara!

Shri Harikathaamruthasaara

Harikathaamruthasaara

28.Ganapathi-stotra sandhi

Also called Vighnesha sandhi

The chapter of prayer to Ganapathi

“O son of Mahesha, who is attracted to the lotus feet of Srihari, like a bee drawn to the lotus! You are the protector of noble souls. You are beloved to Vedavyaasa. You are the abhimaani devathe of Bhoothaakaasha*. I pray to you with a lot of love, to forever dwell in my mind and keep it attentive. O compassionate one! Please hand-hold us and help us!”

*also called Mahadaakaasha.

Mahalakshmi is the abhimaani devathe of Avyaakrutha-aakaasha.

“O one with a single tusk! The one with the face of an elephant! The one whose body is adorned with beautiful gold ornaments! Please cast your kindly gaze on me and bless me with the company of enlightened devotees of Hari.”

“O lord of obstacles! Please help this wicked mind focus on the holy feet of Hari instead of getting distracted by worthless pursuits. Please rid me of my defects so that I do not have to fear the fires of hell, O revered guru*!”

*Gopala daasaru, the swaroopa guru of Jagannatha daasaru was an amsha of Ganesha

“The one who is equal to Kubera, Vishwaksena, the celestial healers Ashwini twins, the younger brother of Shanmugha, the one who is superior to the other 83 devathes! You who meditate on theVishnu as ‘Vishwa’*, please grant me devotion towards Hari, the lord of Lakshmi devi.”

*One may recall that Vishwa has 19 faces, nine human faces on either side with an elephant’s face at the centre. It is to be understood that Ganesha became the elephant-headed god because of his chosen deity Vishwa.

“I bow to the lotus feet of the one born as Chaarudeshna, the son of Rukmini and Krishna, and under Krishna’s command annihilated those raakshasas who had become insolent because of the blessings of Shiva, and thus aided in lightening the burden of Bhoomi devi. Please grant us good sense.”

“O the one with winnowing ears! The one who is immune to Manmatha’s arrows! The one who is the colour of the rising sun! The one whose huge belly is tied with a serpent! You bear witness to every action and carry a goad and a noose to thwart evil ones! Kindly grant peace and contentment to noble ones.”

“You who with utmost devotion grasped the meaning of every word of Vedavyaasa and effortlessly wrote them down, and thus helped his grantha become available to everybody, I pray to you to grant us better understanding of the grantha every day.”

“The one who dwells in the pristine space of Hari’s navel, the one who is the colour of red sandalwood...O pure one! O friend of the devas! The one who has a mouse as his vehicle! The one who has the manifestation of Praana devaru! O celebrated lord! Please grant your devotees their wishes!”

“O son of Shankara! The one who sports the Vaishnava symbols of conch and discus! Protect us! You grant people who worship you on ‘Sankashtachaturthi’* whatever their heart desires. But little do they realise that those boons are not spiritually beneficial to them.”

*A popular monthly undertaking of fasting until moonrise, and worshipping Ganesha

“The one who is worshipped by the Siddhas and Vidyadharas! O one who can grant us exalted boons, please grant us the sense, wisdom, awareness, strength, devotion, detachment to contantly remember, worship and sing the praises of Hari.”

“O most enlightened one who adorns himself with two pieces of red cloth...You are one of the foremost devotees of Hari. Please kindle my interest in understanding scriptures, make me indifferent towards worldly activities and grant me freedom from the shackles of the material world.”

“You have been worshipped* by Indra (before he went to defeat the daitya Vritraasura), by Shri Raamachandra (before beginning to build the bridge to Lanka) and by Yudhishtira (before the Kurukshetra war). How much of Hari’s grace are you blessed with?”

*These devathes are higher in kaksha than Ganapathi, yet he was worshipped, because of Shiva’s boon that he would be worshipped before beginning anything auspicious/ of importance. Ultimately one worships ‘Vishwambhara naamaka paramaatma’ within Ganapathi.

“O brother of Shanmukha, the slayer of Taarakasura! Duryodhana and his entire clan got destroyed by Bheemasena’s mace because he did not worship you! I appeal to you to be a part of me and forever inspire me to tread the path of dharma.”

“The one who loves 21* modakas, O destroyer of ignorance, the one who grants speech to the mute (being the abhimaani devathe of shabda, associated with aakaasha)...the best among scribes, I pray to you... born of mud, son of Shiva’s consort Parvathi, kindly rid my mind of its restlessness.”

*a significant number associated with all offerings to Ganapathi

“O most auspicious one... whose mind is forever engrossed in the worship of Hari, (who carries out the eight tasks*), you only act according to the wishes of paramaatma. Grant us the joy of being immersed in Hari-bhakthi.”

*creates, nurtures, destroys, regulates, grants knowledge, gives rise to ignorance, generates bondage and bestows moksha.

“O five faced son of Shiva, grant the knowledge of pancha-bheda! Grant a vision of Vishnu, the father of Bramha. Consider me your disciple and ensure that I remain unentangled in the coils of attachment, help me rise above the demands of the mind and senses.”

“I do not dread being born through sinful wombs, so long as I remain aware that Hari and the tattvaabhimaani devathes are the doers of both good and wicked deeds. All I pray for again and again, is for you to ensure that I always remember this.”

“O respected guru! O conqueror of sleep! O one with innumerable attributes! O son of Uma! My salutations to you. My mind, directed by my senses and their longings, is causing me distress. Please rid me of my arrogance and attachment!”

“Hail Vighnesha, the remover of obstacles. Victory to the granter of wisdom, to the destroyer of fear and sorrow! Victory to the beautifully limbed one...show your devotees compassion and help them overcome birth, disease and death.”

“You are extremely compassionate. I bow to your feet! Please have my back and destroy the tiny obstacles that keep turning up now and then. Make me recite the glories of Hari, unceasingly and unfailingly!”

“This garland of 21 lotus like verses is offered to Ganesha and to Jagannatha Vittala, who is within Ganesha. Having accepted these prayers, Jagannatha Vittala blesses his devotees with comfort on earth, stints in heaven and finally moksha.”

29. Anutaaratamya sandhi

The chapter of a short description of taaratamya in descending order

Vishnu is supreme.

Mahalakshmi is infinitely lower than Vishnu.

Bramha and Vayu are lower than her.

Saraswathi and Bharathi are lower than Bramha and Vayu.

Lower than Bramha and Vayu are Garuda (Vishnu’s vehicle), Shesha (the king of serpents) and Shiva.

The six consorts of Krishna (Shanmahishis) are lower than Garuda, Shesha and Shiva. Amongst the six, Jambuvathi is superior to the other five.

The consorts of Garuda, Shesha and Shiva; Souparni, Vaaruni and Parvathi are equal to each other and lower than the Shanmahishis.

Indra and Kama are lower than Souparni, Vaaruni and Parvathi.

Ahankaarika Praana is lower than Indra and Kama.

Aniruddha, Shachi devi, Rati devi, Daksha, Brihaspathi and Swaayambhu Manu are lower than Ahankaarika Praana but superior to Pravaha Maruta.

Yama, Surya, Chandra and Shatrupa devi are inferior to Pravaha Vayu.

Varuna is lower than Yama, Surya, Chandra and Shatrupa devi.

Narada is lower than Varuna.

Agni, Prasuthi and Bhrigu are lower than Narada.

The Sapta Rishis, Vishwamitra and Vaivaswatha Manu are lower than Agni, Prasuthi and Bhrigu.

Mitranaamaka Surya, Taara, Nirruti, Praavahi are lower than the Sapta Rishis, Vishwamitra and Vaivaswatha Manu.

Vishwaksena, Ganapathi, Kubera and Ashwini devathes are lower than Mitranaamaka Surya, Taara, Nirruti and Praavahi.

The 100 devathes include 49 Maruts, 2 Ashwini devathes, 10 Vishwe devathes, 11 Rudras, 12 Aadityas, Brihaspathi, 3 Pitru ganas, 8 Vasus, Vayu, Bharathi, Prithvi and Ribhu.

Amongst these 100, 85 (Sheshashathastharu) belong to a lower kaksha than 15 others already mentioned above, and are equal to Ganapathi and Kubera.

Eleven Manus (with the exception of Vaivaswatha Manu, Swaayambhu Manu; and Taapasa Manu- an avataara of Vishnu) are lower than Ganapathi.

Shukra (son of Chyavana), Uchathya (brother of Brihaspathi), Paavaka (son of Agni), Dhruva, Nahusha, Shashibindu, Priyavrata, Prahallada and Chakravarthis are lower than the eleven Manus.

Rohini, Shyamala, Ganga, Virat, Parjanya and Sangnya devi are lower than Shukra to Prahallada and the Chakravarthis.

Devathes who are not tattvaabhimaanis are lower than Ganga and others. Swaaha devi is lower than these devathes. Budha is lower than Swaaha devi. Usha devi (wife of Ashwini devathes) is lower than Budha. Shani is lower than Usha devi. Pushkara is lower than Shani.

The 80 rishis (out of 100) are lower than Pushkara. The Ajaanaja devathes who are equal to each other are the Apsaras and Gandharvas. The 16100 sons of Agni who became the wives of Krishna are equal to the Ajaanaja devathes.

In the descending order following the Ajaanaja devathes are: Anakhyatha apsares, Gopis, Chira Pitrus, Deva Gandharvas, Manushya Gandharvas, rulers of men followed by the best among men. To the devotees who contemplate on all of the above, with the realisation that “I am lower than them”, these devathes always shower their blessings.

The mukthi – yogya trees, creepers, grass etc. are lower than all of the above. But the Rajasic jeevas who are ‘nitya samsaaris’ are lower than these. Lower than these are Tamasic jeevas which are filled with ignorance. The abhimaani devathes (daityas) of anger, lust etc. are lower than the Tamasic jeevas. The rakshasa named Namuchi is lower than these daityas. The daitya named Viprachitta is lower than Namuchi.

Aalakshmi (wife of Kali) is lower than Viprachitta. Kali is the lowest of the low. There is no sinner worse than Kali in the three worlds. One must remember this during urination and excretion, in dark and dirty places, in dens of vice.

Vayu devaru follows Hari’s wishes and acts through the tattvaabhimaani devathes who in turn make the jeeva carry out its tasks according to his guna. Mukhyapraana expertly carries out, and makes the jeeva carry out, tasks that befit the jeeva’s capacity and grants them the following:

This awareness of the hierarchy of devathes and daityas, and the conviction that Hari is supreme, is enough to grant the devotee, the grace of Jagannatha Vittala.

30. Daitya-taaratmya sandhi

The chapter of the characteristics of daityas and their hierarchy

The lotus-seated Bramha describes the characteristics of the daityas to Vaasudeva, lord of Lakshmi devi, the muktha, amuktha jeevas and the devas.

“Those who do not acknowledge that the knowledge and devotion of Vayu devaru is equal to mine, and those who discriminate between the various rupas (avataaras) of Vayu devaru are asuras*. Without doubt, they qualify for being pushed into eternal darkness. I will hold the tip of the tongue of those who berate you and slice it off!” said Bramha.

*the predominant characteristic of a daitya/asura is that he is a Hari-dweshi

Jagannatha daasaru has described various ‘doshas’ or wrong assumptions, beliefs and actions, as described by Bramha, which make one a ‘daitya’. All of them have been compiled below in a tabular form.

Just as Bramha is at the top of the taaratamya followed by devathes till the best among men, Maha Kali is at the bottom of the taaratamya with many daityas above him upto the worst among men.

Kali alone among the daityas has the same lifespan as Bramha. Those who are andhatamassu yogyaru await the end of the kalpa, when following being hit by Vayu devaru’s mace, they lose their linga-shareera and are forever cast in andhatamassu.

(Just as Hari-bhakthi is the distinctive virtue of mukthi-yogyaru, Hari-dwesha is the distinctive sin of andhatamassu yogyaru. As muktha-jeevas experience sawaroopa-sukha, andhatamassu-jeevas experience swaroopa dukkha)

These jeevas (daityas) cast in eternal hell experience misery according to their degree of hatred towards Hari and disbelief in taaratamya. Kali experiences the most misery as his loathing towards Hari and his bhakthas is maximum.

The daityas typically have nine characteristics/ beliefs:
1. There is no difference between jeevas and Hari
2. Paramaatma is nirguna, without attributes
3. His attributes are limited
4. He has an equal
5. Anybody or anything can be better than him
6. There are differences bb between his avataaras and rupas
7. His avataaras have human frailities
8. Hatred towards his devotees
9. Disbelief in the reality of creation/ existence

As for the daitya taaratamya; Kali is at the nadir with the maximum hatred towards Vishnu and his bhakthas, maximum ignorance and also suffersfrom maximum sorrow (ultimately).

As this taaratamya is in reverse, each daitya who is lesser than the previous daitya has lesser hatred towards Vishnu and his bhakthas, lesser ignorance and also suffers from lesser sorrow.

Kali’s wife Aalakshmi is 100 gunas lesser than Kali.

(Aalakshmi was born as Manthara in Treta yuga. In Dwaapara yuga, she was born as the daughter of Kashi Raja and became the wife of Duryodhana, but also had manifestation of Parvathi)

Viprachitthi and Narakaasura are 100 gunas lesser than Aalakshmi.

(Viprachitthi was killed by Vayu devaru in his moola rupa. Reborn as Jarasandha, he was killed again by Bheemasena)

Kaalanemi and Hiranyakashipu are 100 gunas lesser than Viprachitthi and Narakaasura.

(Kaalanemi was born as Kamsa and killed by Krishna; Hiranyakashipu was killed by Narasimha)

Madhu and Kaitabha are five gunas lesser than Kaalanemi and Hiranyakashipu.

(Madhu and Kaitabha were reborn as Hamsa and Dibika)

Hiranyaaksha and Manimantha are three gunas lesser than Kaalanemi and Hiranyakashipu.

(Hiaranyaaksha was killed by Varaaha; Manimantha was killed by Bheemasena; Manimantha was also born as Ekalavya and killed by Krishna)

Bakaasura is slightly lower than Hiranyaaksha and Manimantha.

Taaraka is 20 gunas lesser than Bakaasura.

(Taarakasura was killed by Kaama in the form of Shanmugha)

Shambaraasura is 6 gunas lesser than Taarakaasura.

(Shambaraasura was killed by Indra)

Shambaraasura is equal to Salva, and both are 10 gunas lower than Manimantha.

Hidimbaasura is 6 gunas lesser than Shambaraasura and Salva. Hidimba, Baanasura, Dwaapara and Keechaka are equal.

Namuchi, Ilvala and Paaka are equal to each other.

Namuchi, Ilvala and Paaka are 10 gunas lesser than Hidimba, Baanasura, Dwaapara and Keechaka.

(Namuchi and Paaka were killed by Indra)

Vaataapi is 3 gunas lesser than Namuchi and others.

(Vaataapi was unwittingly killed by Ilvala, Ilvala was killed by Agastya)

Dhenukaasura is 100 gunas lesser than Vaataapi.

(Dhenukaasura was killed by Balaraama)

Keshi is only a half guna lesser than Dhenukaasura.

(Keshi was killed by Krishna. He was also born as Hayagreevaasura)

Keshi and Trunaavarta are equal.

(Trunaavarta was killed by Krishna)

Lavanaasura is 11 gunas lesser than Keshi and Trunaavarta.

(Lavanaasura was killed by Shatrugna)

Arishta is 5 gunas lesser than Lavanaasura.

Hamsa and Dibika*, and Vena are 9 gunas lesser than Lavanaasura.

*although previously mentioned in another kaksha, as Madhu-Kaitabha

(Vena was born as Poundraka Vaasudeva and killed by Krishna)

Dusshasana, Vrushasena (son of Karna) and Jaraasandha are equal.

(Dusshasana and Jaraasandha were killed by Bheemasena; Vrushasena was killed by Arjuna. Since Jaraasandha was Viprachittha reborn it also means that they are all equal)

Koopa and Vikarna are equal to Kamsa, which means they are equal to Kaalanemi.

(As Kaalanemi was born as Kamsa)

Koopa, Vikarna and Kamsa are 100 gunas lesser than Dusshasana, Vrushasena and Jaraasandha (considering that Kaalanemi is 100 gunas lesser than Viprachitthi).

Rugmi (brother of Rugmini) is 100 gunas lesser than Koopa and Vikarna.

Shatadhanva and Kirmira are 100 gunas lesser than Rugmi.

(although previously mentioned in another kaksha, as Ilvala, born as Rugmi, and equal to Namuchi)

The Kaalakeyas, due to the manifeastation of devathes in them, sometimes appear as superior to those above them in the kaksha.

The abhimaani daityas of speech, hands, feet, hearing, excretory and sexual organs, nose, skin and taste; are lower than the Kaalakeyas.

Kali and all daityas strive to perform and make the jeeva perform sinful deeds through their indriyas. The only four jeevas who do not have asura-aavesha are Bramha, Vayu, Saraswathi and Bharathi, also known as Achinna bhaktharu.

The other devathes, including Garuda, Shesha and Rudra, may experience asura-aavesha even in their moola-rupas; but Vayu and Bharathi do not experience asura-aavesha even in their avataaras, let alone their moola-rupas. (Bramha and Saraswathi have no avataaras)

Those who are derisive or doubtful about daitya-taaratamya, or about the numerous negative qualities of the daityas, are clubbed with the daityas themselves. These words of Bramha have been described by Vedavyaasa to the rishis in the Garuda Puraana.

Just as wearing footwear ensures protection from the pricks and cuts of sharp stones and thorns, so also, condemning (not supporting) daityas protects one with Hari-preethi, that is, he gains the love and grace of Hari. Expressing pleasure when one hears the news of killing of poisonous snakes and scorpions is no sin just as berating daityas is not.

When one does meritorious tasks he should offer them to Hari. When he performs sinful acts, he should be penitent and observe procedures to absolve himself of the sin. If he then offers the fruit of the penitence and repentance to Hari, Hari grants the sins to Kali and other daityas, and protects his devotee.

The lord of Lakshmi devi the abhimaani of the three gunas, residing in both the gunis (the jeevas with the three types of gunas), and within the gunas themselves, performs actions according to each one’s capacity and their ‘karma’, perpetually granting devas and asuras the fruit of good and sinful deeds, respectively. Such a supreme one amongst the best of the devathes is the most compassionate Jagannatha Vittala!

31. Naivedhya-prakarana sandhi

The chapter of offerings to paramaatma, and of his glory

The one who created Bramha from his navel, and other devathes from various parts of his body,* without any help from Lakshmi, is the one who grants everything as well as the one who destroys everything, he is the father of all (including daityas); such a lord steered the chariot and protected Paartha (Arjuna) in the Kurukshetra war as well as in life.

*as described in Purushasuktha

The one who is untouched by even a whiff of dosha, the one who dons various forms,* the one who performs all kinds of tasks, the supremely intelligent, the lord of Maya devi, the one who is established in the mind of Madhwaachaarya, sleeps on Shehsa, the succour of his devotees, the one whose neck is the excellent base for the Kaustubha to be adorned, the epitome of strength and beauty, what can be said of such a Hari?

*present in every form and taking on the form of everything he pervades

Hari is described as ‘Saashanaanashane abhi’ in the Purushsuktha. He is present within the swaroopa deha as Anasha and in the sthoola deha as Saashana. The enlightened beings pray to these two forms of Hari, with devotion and without a moment’s disinteredness, with the knowledge that Hari is pure and unaffected like Agni, who is unaltered by whatever is offered to it.

Srihari is the repository of all good and noble attributes, he is free from birth and bondage, he is both visible (to his devotees) and invisible (to the ordinary/wicked jeevas), he carries out tasks but remains untouched by them, he is Kamsaari (killer of Kamsa), he is Nakula (does not belong to any clan), he dons various rupas, as the antaryaami of devathes, he enables them to carry out various actions and is present in the actions themselves (he is thus, the ruler and the ruled), he is resplendent as a cluster of suns, he is the lord of every one, ever joyous, inseparable (from the jeeva), indestructible. Please protect me forever!

Srihari is polymorphous. He pervades both the living and the non-living, independently, assuming their forms, like an actor performing multiple roles. He is present in every word and every action, imperceptibly watching with delight.

O Srihari! You are without fear, you grant exalted knowledge, you are the master of the past, present and future, the nemesis of the evil ones, the king of birds is your vehicle, the lord of Lakshmi, you know no worry, you are adored by Matarishva (Vayu devaru), you are ancient, you sucked the life out of Poothani, you created Bramha the creator, you are worshipped by the enlightened ones, protect us, protect us!

You are the slayer of the wicked, you have incomparable greatness, Sameera (Vayu devaru) sings your praises, you are the granter of all desires, independent, filled with joy, you are the lord* of my lineage (kula)! Ever content, sturdy, the smallest of small, the only one who remains indestructible in pralaya, the one who performs the eight actions**, the one who liberated Kareendra (Gajendra), you grant rewards according to one’s worth, granting moksha to those who perform noble tasks and offer them to you. I pray to you forever.

*Lakshmi-Narasimha

**srishti, sthithi, laya, niyama, gnyaana, agnyaana, bandha, moksha

You who are worshipped by Paakashaasana (killer of Paaka, Indra), praised by the one who holds the Pinaka*(Shiva), the one who ended Sita’s sorrow, the one who is easily propitiated by his devotees, the one with a beautiful face and golden-hued body, the one who has Ramaa devi as his wife, the all-knowing (Manishi), the slayer of Madhu (Madhuripu), you who are established within devathes as Antaryaami, please do nurture us.

*Shiva’s bow

Srihari is Aprameya (immeasurable) and Anantha (infinite), his countenance is always pleasant, his lotus feet are worshipped by devathes, he grants the bliss of moksha, he is self luminous, omni-potent, omni-present, granter of boons, the lord of the earth, the best among the Yaadavas, beyond the confines of logic, he is in the forms of Vishwa, Taijas and Praagnya.

Just as the clouds are driven in different directions by the winds that blow, Bramha, Trishuladhara (Shiva) and other devathes, follow the directions of Mahaalakshmi, the abhimaani of time-action-nature (kaala-karma-guna). But even Mahaalakshmi follows the primary force called the Mukthi-daayaka (one who grants mukthi), who is Srihari.

Srihari not only doesn’t have fear, ignorance or attachment, but also rids his devotees of the same. He pervades the entire cosmos (Bramhaanda) as space, he is the ocean of compassion who does not let the ones he considers his own suffer, and protects them with ease.

A person who looks into a mirror sees nothing else but the reflection. A devotee likewise should strive to see and revere only the bimba-rupi Hari within every jeeva and jadavasthu, and thereby delight in the experience.

Jagannatha daasaru describes the Abhimaani devathe and the Bhagavad-rupa present in various offerings of food, exhorting us at every step to pray to the abhimaani devathe and the anthargata bhagavad rupa:

The supreme Srihari, served by guru Pavamaana, is both the worshipped and the worshipper. He accepts the naivedhya offered with devotion to grant his grace to his devotees. He is not dependent on any offering made to him.

32. Devatha-taaratamya stotra sandhi

Also called Kaksha-taaratamya sandhi

The chapter of invoking the devathes in order of taaratamya

Srihari, the lord of Lakshmi! The lord of every one! Omni-present! Independent, faultless, the one with infinite attributes, the one without the three gunas, the one filled with noble gunas, the one who takes on forms hitherto unseen, the cause of creation, nurture and dissolution! Compassionate one! Sri Narasimha! Protect the good beings!

Nithyamukthe*! The one free from all disorders! O one who perpetually enjoys swaroopa-sukha ! The succour of all, worshipped by both muktha and amuktha jeevis! The one who resides in the heart of Purushotthama! The mother of the three worlds! The one who is mentioned extensively in the Shruthis and Smrithis! O the one who is fond of those lower than her! Please listen to my request! Protect us!

*Lakshmi devi, because she has no linga-shareera and does not have to ‘wait’ for mukthi.

“When Mahaalakshmi is unable to comprehend the innumerable Vishwa-roopas within every single follicle of hair on Hari’s body what can be said of the greatness of my lord!” wonders Bramha repeatedly.

How fortunate are Bramha and Guru Pavamaana to be able to forever gaze upon the wonderful form of Hari, the abode of Ramaa devi, and be filled with perpetual joy? When Shiva himself cannot fathom their good fortune, what of us, mere mortals?

O Pitamaha (Bramha devaru)...you performed penance for a 100 kalpas by meditating upon, pleasing Hari, and donned the extremely powerful avataaras of Hanuma, Bheema and Aananda Tirtha. You come into being in the wonderful lotus that emanates from the navel of the lord. I bow to him (Bramha) and to Vayu devaru, every day.

To Saraswathi and Bharathi, who meditate upon the lord who appears as clear as a full moon to them, I eagerly entreat thee to grant me sound knowledge and sincere devotion.

Srihari who carries the entire cosmos in his belly, is carried on his shoulders by the lord of the birds, Garuda deva. Garuda supports Hari’s feet on his palms and looks at the prati-bimba (reflection) of Hari (seated on his shoulders) in the nails of Hari* and is filled with delight. May this Garuda deva bless every one.

*Daasaru has used the word Nagadhara to describe Hari. Nagadhara means the one who supports mountains (Mandara, Goverdhana...) This word and the line “Srihari who carries the entire cosmos in his belly” are both meant to convey the greatness of Garuda for having the ability of carrying Hari. Of course, Garuda is enabled by Hari himself to perform such a task.

The supreme Hari who cannot be completely described by the Vedas and shaastras, and is beyond the grasp of the most enlightened yogis, is described with extreme devotion with the two-thousand tongues* of Shesha devaru, who supports Hari who pervades the three worlds, in his cosmic sleep. I bow to the feet of Shesha devaru!

*forked tonguex1000 hoods+2000 tongues

O one who rides the Nandi! O one who holds Ganga in his locks! O one who carries the moon on his head! The one with three eyes! The slayer of Andhakaasura! The one who is clad in the skins of elephants and tigers! The son of Bramha! You are revered in the three worlds. You are radiant as the spatika-mani*. O lord of Parvathi...I bow to you, protect us forever!

*crystal

The one whose crown is the spread out hoods of serpents, the one who spins the ‘damru*’ which makes a divine sound, the one who holds the trishula,** the one whose eyes are Agni, Chandra and Surya, the purest of the pure, he who is revered by sages and the Pramatha-gana***, the one who destroyed Raavana’s arrogance...O Mahadeva! Guide me forever!

*musical instrument, the reverberation of which fills everywhere during pralaya

**trident

***bhoothas and pishachis

The one who ruined Daksha’s* sacrifice, O Virupaaaksha!** O abhimaani of detachment! Please protect us! You are the friend of Kubera, and the wish-fulfilling tree to all your devotees. You are the nemesis of the daanava Vrikaasura.The lord of all (the abhimaani devathe of manassu of all jeevas). The one who donned the form of Shukaachaarya and Durvaasa.... take care of us!

*his father-in-law, father of Sati

**referring to his third eye which is vertical, on his forehead

The one who performed austerities in the salty waters of the sea before becoming Rudra, praying to Hari for 10 kalpas; known as Krutha-akruthya, following the command of Hari, spreading ignorance and false beliefs in the minds of Tamo-yogis and pushing them towards andha-tamassu...I bow to thee, the future Shesha devaru...

I pray to the beloved wives of Shankha-paani (Srihari), Lakshana, Jambuvathi, Kalindhi, Neela, Bhadra and Mitravinda... and entreat them to forever illuminate my mind and heart, along with Hari.

I have attempted to pay tribute to the three devis, Souparni, Vaaruni and Nagaatmaja (Parvathi), who listen to the glory of Paranthapa (Srihari) , as described by the aparoksha- gnyaanis* to their consorts, by his (Hari’s) grace. Please do overlook any mistake I may have inadvertently committed.

*Garuda, Shesha, Rudra

I prostrate to the feet of Indra, who rides the clouds, who sings the praises of Upendra (Srihari), like a cuckoo coos in spring; the one who rules over Swarga (heaven) which is the abode of Kalpavruksha, Chintaamani and Kaamadhenu*.

*Wish fulfilling tree, stone and cow

I bow to the lotus feet of Kaamadeva, the consort of Rathi (also born as Pradyumna, the son of Krishna) who is in constant contemplation of Krithi-pathi Pradyumna (Srihari). Please grant us the desire to tread the right path.

I bow to the lotus feet of Ahankaarika Praana devaru, the ‘guru’, the abhimaani devathe of the entire body, the one who is immersed in the sea of devotion and worships Srihari installed in the altar of his heart.

The all pervading, all powerful Vishwathomukha (Srihari) whose refuge provides supreme bliss to Rathi devi, Swayambhu Manu, Daksha Prajapathi, Brihaspathi, Shachi devi and Aniruddha, please bless us with good fortune.

O Pravaha Vayu, please bestow your constant blessings and help set sail the boat called Punyashravanakeerthana (Srihari) with Bramha devaru as the boatsman to ferry the devout across the sea of samsaara.

The one who wed Swayambhu Manu at the behest of their creator, Bramha, in order to beget progeny* for the welfare of the world, I pray to you, Shatarupa devi, to bless us all.

*Priyavratha, Utthanapaada; Aakuthi, Devaahuthi and Prasuthi

Nara, Naarayana, Hari and Krishna*, born as your sons, were like the four Purushaarthas granted to you. You who are equal to Vivasvaanaamaka Surya, Chandra and Shatarupa devi, you throw sinners into hell while protecting noble ones. O Yama deva! Never forsake us, but protect us, protect us, with your supreme compassion.

*Not Vaasudeva Krishna, but three are Bhagavad rupas while Nara is Shesha-avataara

O Chandra, you were born from the manassu of Madhuvairi (Srihari) and emerged from the ocean of milk when it was churned. You shine from the locks of Shiva, the lord of Kudharajaa (Parvathi). O manobhimaani! My mind is like a bee hovering at your lotus feet. I bow to you, please rid our minds off its agitation.

Residing in the lotus eyes of Srivanaruhaambaka (Srihari), lending a helping hand to the devout through your rays by dispelling the darkness of this samsaara, O Vivasvaan Surya, keep me in good company day and night and grant me knowledge (Bhagavad-gnyaana). Having given the hand of the mother of the universe (when Mahalakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk) in marriage to Srihari, you ensured that Srihari, alongwith your daughter (Lakshmi) reside forever in the altar of your heart. Bramha and other devathes stand in your waters, praising you, while praying to Lakshmi-Naarayana. It is impossible to describe Varuna, the lord of all good attributes/precious gems (Guna-ratna). Do grant us devotion to the lord.

I bow to the devarishi Naarada, sporting a tilaka on his forehead, strings of tulasi beads adorning his neck, holding the veene which creates melody in one hand, and beating the taala with the other, dancing with joy and forever singing the praises of Srihari, the embodiment of Pranava, with fervour.

When ascetics, on the banks of the river Saraswathi, gathered in prayer, you who went to the abodes of Bramha, Shiva and Vishnu, weighed their merits and declared that Keshava (Vishnu) is supreme, O Bhrigu muni grant us the four purushaarthas!

By the order of Bisaruhaambaka (Srihari-the lotus eyed one), Agni, the foremost among the Vasus, accepts all oblations offered in sacrifice and conveys them to the devathe for whom it is meant. I pray to Yagnyapurusha Agni to grant us knowledge, fame, understanding and wisdom.

Accepting the command of Bramha, Prasuthi devi went on to lovingly beget 60 daughters and then married them to various devathes. O mother, you are equal to Agni! I bow to you! Please protect our family!

I bow to the feet of the sons of Bramha (Marichi, Atri, Angirasa, Pulaha, Pulastya, Krathu, Vasishta); to Vaivaswatha Manu and to Vishwamitra; all of whom are repositories of divine knowledge, who have won over Srihari who is Aparaajita (unconquerable) in their deep meditative states and are forever filled with joy.

The foremost among the twelve Adityas, Mitranaamaka Surya, Pravahi devi, Nirruti, Taara devi, please rid us off our trials and tribulations, and grant us good fortune, always.

The embodiment of knowledge and wisdom, Vishwaksena, Kubera and Gajanana, along with the 85 rishis, please destroy our ignorance and lovingly grant us spiritual wisdom.

O Marichi (son of Pradhana Vayu), O Jayantha (son of Indra), help us in attaining true knowledge about Srihari and keep us from becoming proud of wordly accomplishments.

Rejecting the false knowledge imparted by your teacher, you spoke to your fellow students and told them about the greatness of Srihari! When the daitya (Hiranyakashipu) asked, “Where is your Lord?” you had the granter of Moksha, Srihari in the form of Narasimha, break out of a pillar and reveal himself! O Prahallada, protect us!

The seven Indras (Karmaja devathes), the eleven Manus (excluding Taapasa, Swayambhu and Vaivaswatha), the eighty rishis including Uchathya and Chyavana, the hundred Chakravarthis who ruled the world, the eight gate-keepers, the eight Gandharvas, Paavaka, the seven Chira-Pithrus and Chitraguptha...please consider me one among your own and grant me your grace.

The celestial sculptor Vishwakarma, the beauteous Urvashi and other apsaras, Rahu- Ketu, the abhimani devathes of the paths leading to Swarga, Naraka, Vishnu-loka etc. are all equal to the Karmaja devathes and may they grant us their protection.

I joyfully pray to Bhagirathi, Shyamala, Sangnya devi, Rohini, Parjanya, Usha, Viraat, Swaaha devi to remove all obstacles that hinder my meditation.

The abhimaani devathe of the pure water used to wash the lotus feet of Srihari, the father of Bramha, I pray fervently to you, O Budha, to cleanse us and grant us wisdom.

I pray to Devaki, who loved the one who has neither birth nor parents, as her son, and to Yashoda, who raised the lord as her son and delighted in his pranks. Please protect our progeny.

O Usha devi, you are the abhimaani devathe of all the holy names of Srihari. O consort of the divine healers, the Ashwini devathes, heal the diseases of all noble souls on this earth.

The one whose clothes are the oceans! The one whose breasts are the mountains! The one who bears both the living and non-living...the one whose form is made of the three tanmaatras- smell, taste and shape (gandha, rasa, rupa), O daughter of Kashyapa! O Bhoomi devi! I pray to you, the consort of paramaatma, to pardon my shortcomings and to protect us!

When Puratalochana (Hiranyaaksha) snatched you away, the devathes prayed to Hari, who assumed the form of a wild boar. Lifting you gently from the abyss, he placed you back in your orbit. O mother earth! Forgive all my sins, including touching you with my feet.

O Shanaishwara, son of Surya! You seek to punish those who do not revere Hari and Vayu. You constantly hinder their efforts and make them dissatisfied. I bow to you. Please help me emerge from the depths of the ocean of samsaara.

I pray to the Karma-abhimaani Pushkara, who grants the fruit (according to the pleasure of Hari) of prescribed actions performed without attachment, to help us perform good deeds without any hindrance.

I pray to the 16100 sons of Agni, who became the wives of Krishna, the seventy Yakshas, thirty Daanavas and Charanas, Ajaanaja devathes, Apsaras and Gandharvas.

On the banks of Yamuna, the unwed Gopika girls performed the Katyaayini Vrata in order to gain Krishna as their husband. Those who were already married, also thought of Srihari (the father of Vayu), as their lord. I bow to the feet of both these groups of lotus eyed women and appeal to them to satisfy my desires.

To those born through noble wombs - the Kinnaras, Guhyakas, Raakshasas, Serpents, Siddhas, who are equal to the Ajaanaja devathes, I find it impossible to describe them... I pray to them to grant them happiness to true seekers.

I join my hands with a prayer to uplift me, to the 100 crore rishis (minus 100 of them) and to the Pitru devathes.

To those Deva-Gandharvas who sing the praises of Hari, melodiously, in gatherings of devathes, I pray to them to grant us the purushaarthas.

I pray to the Manushya-Gandharvas who sing the auspicious names of the lord of Lakshmi, and to the rulers with the exception of the Chakravarthis, day after day, with a pure speech, mind and body.

I bow to the lotus feet of those who are the best among men, who see the lord as a flash of lightning in their mind’s eye, I appeal to them to grant the wishes of all those who bow to them.

I bow to the Maha-vaishnavas who are drawn to the feet of Vishnu, like bees to a lotus, and are followers of Guru Shri Madhwaachaarya! Can I list the names of all of them? That would not be possible!

I entreat Srihari, the father of Kaama (Pradyumna), to grant all wishes to those who read and chant the names in the order of taaratamya as described in these verses.

If these verses are chanted thrice (morning, afternoon and evening), it purifies one’s body, speech and mind. If chanted every day, one is rid of all kinds of sins, and fear of thieves, rulers, predatory animals, weapons, water, fire, spirits, poisonous animals, fever and other diseases; and of hell.

Victory to the one who is different from everything else in the three worlds, victory to the sole cause of creation, victory to the lord of Sita devi, to the one without birth or death; victory to the creator of Jahnavi (Ganga), victory to the one who defeats the daityas, victory to the one who cures the disease of this samsara. Victory to Jagannatha Vittala! Protect us forever.

Jagannatha daasaru ends Harikathaamruthasaara with “Krishnaarpana”.

The following sandhi has been written by Shreeda Vittala daasa, popularly known as Karjagi daasa.

From Spiritual Nugget 40: When Jagannatha Daasa visited Karjagi, a little town in Haveri district, he was accommodated in a large mansion that belonged to a man called Daasappa who was given to various vices. When his wife begged him to stay at home to listen to Jagannatha Daasaru’s songs, he surprisingly obliged. When Pranesha Daasa, Jagannatha’s disciple, supposedly sang an invocation, Daasappa had a transformation by listening to the song which derided his vices. Not satisfied with mere tears of penitence, Pranesha Daasa asked Daasappa if he would be willing to shave off his handlebar moustache. Daasappa, humbled, agreed to do so. Jagannatha Daasaru granted him the ankitha “Shreeda Vittala” and in the course of time Daasappa came to be known as Karjagi Daasa and eventually became enlightened.

33. Phala-sthuthi sandhi

The chapter of the greatness of this grantha and its composer

The exalted guru Shri Jagannatha daasaru has written these sandhis of the Harikataamruthasaara, which taste like water sweetened with a bit of gooseberry that one drinks from the palm of one’s hand. Those scholars who preach but don’t practice may, upset and jealous, decry this grantha. This grantha is not to be shared with those who have no interest in learning about the greatness of god.

The verses at the very beginning of this excellent composition in the Bhamini-shatpadi metre, lovingly tell us the importance of holding the hand of Sudhaama’s friend, Krishna, to cross this samsaara. How can the compassion of our guru be elaborated?

If asked, “What is saara*”? The answer is Harikathaamruthasaara! Krishna, the sarathi of Arjuna, deemed it fit that this Harikathaamruthasaara had to be composed by our guru Jagannatha daasaru and by no one else. And so he did, by the grace of Krishna! Those who read and follow this grantha are free from the shackles of this samsaara.

*essence/ substance

The varna-abhimaani devathes desirous of singing the praise of Lakshmi-pathi Srihari graced the mind and speech of Jagannatha daasaru, and enabled him to effortlessly compose the beautifully worded, meaningful and lyrical verses. The fact that even enlightened ones revere this grantha bears witness to the grace of Hari and the varna-abhimaani devathes.

Only the ignorant ones will criticise this work based on the language of composition. The noble ones who read this, know that this composition (krithi) euologises Krithi-pathi Pradyumna-rupi Hari. Can such a divine work be merely labelled as ‘written in Praakrit’ and rejected?

If this composition was not pleasant to the ears, auspicious, in sync with Shruthi-Smrithis, if our guru Jagannatha daasaru had not captured the essence of Madhwa-shaastra and presented them in the verses, would any enlightened soul have accepted this? Would it have been called Harikathaamruthasaara?

One must not entertain a doubt that this praise is due to blind devotion or emotion. If this grantha had any defects or had used words/ideas that were contrary to Bhagavad-gnyaana and bhakthi, would it have met the approval of Hari himself?

That Jagannatha daasaru is an eminent poet is a well established fact. I implore to the all the daasas to protect the sanctity of this noble grantha, by not sharing its contents with those who despise Hari.

Those who condemn this grantha without studying it deeply are those destined to never understand its import. Such vilification only adds to the greatness of the grantha, and does not diminish it in any way.

This krithi reveals numerous hitherto unknown facts. The noble ones shed tears of joy upon reading these, while the mediocre ones only partially understand them, as their true meanings are zealously guarded by the devathes.

Reading this grantha should increase the belief of the believers, elevate the knowledge of scholars, impress the enlightened ones, wipe out the arrogance of arrogant ones, present fresh perspective to sages; and it should finally win the appreciation of Srihari.

The accomplished daasaraayaru has cleverly revealed a new path*, which thrives in the company of noble ones, showers the knowledge of Tattvagnyaana, roasts vices such as anger and lust, tears apart the chest of wicked ones, knocks out the teeth of obstinate disputants, makes the devout lose themselves in deeper devotion...

*of knowledge and devotion

The content of this composition is not merely the result of knowledge gained by the ears or eyes, it has been divinely inspired and has been blessed by Vyaasa Tirtha, Purandara daasa and Vaadiraja Tirtha. It is in complete agreement with their beliefs and daasaru has acknowledged the grace of his patrons.

Harikathaamruthasaara contains all the nava-rasas (nine emotions). It is an epic filled with profound wisdom, figures of speech and charm. This is an unforgettable contribution of the son of the noble Narasimha daasaru.

It is believed that a foolish one who can drink and digest the oil from the ‘Jyotishmathi’ seeds becomes a knowledgeable person, whereas one who cannot drink it loses his wits. If a person respectfully drinks the nectar (amrutha) of Harikatha and imbibes its essence (saara), he becomes blessed in birth after birth (unlike the short-term effect of drinking and digesting the oil from the ‘Jyotishmathi’ seeds).

If one lovingly reads or writes a single word from this krithi, he becomes dear to the devathes. Harikathaamruthasaara is not for anyone but mukthi-jeevis who are not keen on gaining the boons of dharma, artha and kaama, and are engrossed in Hari-bhakthi.

Hari stops the obstacles that come rushing towards those who read Harikathaamruthasaara every day. He protects them from untimely death and grants them whatever they desire, and he dances in the homes of such noble ones.

By merely listening to one chapter being read aloud, one enjoys the boons of longevity, good health, prosperity, fame, strength, good company, bravery, capability, dignity and wisdom. When such is the case, one can only imagine the effect of reading the complete grantha with sincerity and devotion.

Chanting (or even listening to) the verses of Harikathaamruthasaara every day is sure to grant sight to the sightless, hearing to the deaf, growth to the stunted, fertility to the barren, life to the lifeless.

Reading Harikathaamruthasaara grants greater reward, every step of the way, than performing deeds like bathing in the Ganga. Wives are granted deeper respect towards their husbands, husbands find happiness in loving wives, and one becomes dear to his teacher / elders, and above all it paves the way to moksha.

How much more can I describe the greatness of this grantha which contains the description of the lord as understood by the teachings of Madhwaachaarya and described by Jagannatha daasaru? Those who consider Jagannatha daasaru an ordinary mortal are sure to find their way to hell.

Like the offerings of food placed on a plate of gold is offered to god, so also, the nectar of Hari katha is offered in golden words in Kannada to the ones who hunger for bhagavad gnyaana, while he (daasaru) looks on in delight.

To the ones who chant Harikathaamruthasaara, Sreeda Vittala Venugopala overlooks their transgressions and leads them towards a righteous life. This is the truth. Hari daasas are requested to consider these words of this Karjagi daasaru, the disciple of Sri Jagannatha daasaru.

It is one’s good fortune to proudly proclaim that they are the daasas of Hari daasas.

The phala-shruthisandhi grants clarity of vision (like a pair of spectacles) to those devotees reading the main text. This knowledge is not to be discussed with doubting Thomases but is solely meant to be shared among the devotees of the lord. Shreesha (sic) Vittala Srihari is sure to grant happiness and plenty in the afterlife too.

End of 33 sandhis of Harikathaamruthsaara