Decuplet Deities
The song about the ten main incarnations of Vishnu
Sanskrit: Devaki Nandana
Kannada: Haththavataaradi bhakthara salahuva
Nearest meaning in English:
The delight of Devaki, the apple of Nanda’s eye
The moon of Gokula - lighting up the groves of Vrindavana.
Savouring its sweet fruits, O most handsome in the three worlds
You roamed around to graze the cows, with feet that are revered by all.
You steered the chariot of Paartha, holding the whip and the reins
Your beautiful being smeared with sandal paste, winning the hearts of the milkmaids.
With eyes the shape of a lotus petal, you who held the mountain aloft
I bow to you - O Govinda!
You assumed the form of a fish, to save the Vedas
During the deluge, in the dark waters of the cosmic sea
You are revered by even the four-headed one.
Assuming the form of a tortoise, you bore the weight of the mountain on your back
You are the support of the three worlds, and the refuge of the devathes.
Slaying the demon in the form of a wild boar,
You carried the earth to safety
Your limbs embody the sacrifices.
O deva in the form of Nara-simha, the mentor of the devas
Tearing apart the demon, driving away all kinds of fears.
O beautiful Vaamana... in the form of a young Brahmin
Destroyed the pride of the daityas and provided relief to the devas.
The supreme among the Bhrigu-clan, O Raama of the battle-axe
Exuding energy, worshipped by Shankara, you are the annihilator of the Kshatriyas.
Raamachandra, born in the race of the Raghus, the slayer of demons
The lord of Hanuman, the handsome one who won the heart of Sita.
The one born of Devaki, in the most beautiful form ever beheld
Wedded to Rukmini, the well-wisher of the Paandavas.
The one who spread ignorance and desire among the daityas
In the form of Buddha, please do grant us clear knowledge.
Destroying all evil, and establishing righteousness
I bow to the form of Kalki, who sows the seeds for Krita yuga.
These verses composed by Ananda Tirtha
Praising the various forms of the Deva
Is sure to destroy sins and grant auspicious joy.