DHARMA STHOTHRAM
Srimad Bhagavad Geetha, is a practical philosophy, aim to teach us to live with much equanimity, perfect composure and in good cause. All our personal, social, national and other problems are solved when we study this Gita in detail. Krishna preaches Srimad Bhagavath Geetha in 18 sargas containing 694 slokas, as an effective, efficient and energetic personality, relieves from all sorts of despairs and disappointments. Arjuna, after hearing Gitopadesam from Lord Krishna, decided to fight in the war with firm mind and emerged as a winner. So Gita helps everyone to change ourselves as a most dynamic person, all by ourselves with the grace of God. Then all our weakness ceases slowly and make as a better person to face our own problems in life without any difficulty.
Gita debates the right and wrong of the conflicts and the duty (karma) to follow. Krishna also narrates the relationship between God and human being and how to redeem the deeds of the past life and the present one. Krishna having realized that Arjuna is keen on the knowledge of karma explains him in detail all the three way (yogas) union with God viz; Karma (Duty),Jnana (Knowledge),and Bhakthi(Devotion) yogas. Krishna also explains the nature of Atman (soul) which can never die or be destroyed and only the body dies. The death is inevitable to all the living beings and as a warrior Arjuna has the duty to fight for victory and should not mourn over the deaths. The real sin is not in killing but failing in dharma the duty to perform. Krishna reveals to Arjuna His cosmic form as Vishnu governing the entire Universe at this stage. Arjuna overwhelmed and burst into hymns of praise and ashamed of having addressed Krishna as comrade and friend and acts to the commands of Krishna .
The teachings in Srimad Bhagavad Geetha are of eternal value and are universal in their applicability. Its message is ever green and inspiring always, as it was delivered by Lord Krishna. Krishna chided Arjuna in the beginning, but towards the end told him as "Do not grieve". Stressing the need to fight for performing 'swadarma' without attachment, but with resignation, Krishna explained briefly listening, seeing and experiencing of a devotee. Like this Gita tells various truths for our day-to-day life.
Gita gives the summary of Hindu religious thoughts and practices and much of it is based on the Upanishads, the last part of Vedas the sacred treasure of the Hindus. Gita is full of teachings, the secret call of the divinity for all souls to love HIM, to talk the journey to HIM, and to be blissfully united with HIM. Every scholars of Gita exhibited a new facet of thought and so it remains eternally new and fresh one. There is not a single word in this which may be described as just flattering. Gita not only raises the question of the appropriate action for Arjuna to adopt but also defines the experiences of challenges facing every human being. It also speaks deeply to each of us for at some point, face the unique battlefield in the outer world as within. Throughout, LORD Krishna offers not only that we must act but also how we must to act to fight our individual battles. The axial core of Gita is this perpetual existence in tension that encounter , but not without a purpose.
In the first sloka of Chapter 1 ,Gita starts with "Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre" as the discussion between Dhratarashtra and Sanjaya form the basic principle of this great philosophy, evolved in the battlefield of Kurukshetra ,where Lord Krishna was present in the side of Arjuna. The place Kurukshetra thus became a place ‘Dharmakshetra’ where righteous activities are performed. This sloka shows the confidence of Dhrtarashtra that both his sons and sons of Pandu, his younger brother assembled with determination to fight. This first sloka teaches that our very first thought ,word and action must be righteousness ,cosmic harmony and sound ethical law and also imparts the aspect of confidence among men.
Dharma, the universal law that holds life together in unity, is referred to many times in Gita. Dharma is to be dedicated by everyone and be always engaged in Dharma, to live peacefully, so all in the universe will be able to enjoy peace. Dharma forms as foundation for the welfare of humanity, acts as truth and stable for ever. Every one must know the basic principles of Dharma, as otherwise doing one's duty, which all sastras, vedas, puranas, epics indicate clearly. All characters explained in chapter 16 in first three slokas form as basic points for one to be in Dharma , which are “ Fearlessness, charity, self control, spiritualism, sacrifice, austerity, non violence, truthfulness, compassion, modesty, tranquility, determination, vigour, honour, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, and freedom from envy”. Whoever subdues egoism, conquers selfish desires, destroys brutish feelings, and impulses, and is also in Dharma. It is universal, equal, free, and can be tested, analyzed, and challenged as a single solid performance. 'Dharmam purusha lakshanam' or observance of dharmas is the sign of manhood, in which everyone must engage in Dharmakarmas or tasks infused with karmas are stressed in the entire text.
Dharmo rakshita rakshitah protect Dharma, then Dharma protects you . We should observe immaculate righteousness in life. Strict and scrupulous abidance by is the way of keeping it fresh and vigorous of saving it from a fall. Dharma is not something which is alive now and disappearing later, but it lasts for ever.
In Ramayana Rama is said as personification of righteousness Ramo vigrahavan Dharmah an exemplar of sixteen most auspicious virtues and numerous other lovable attributes , which are ; Truth, manliness, courage,fortitude, forgiveness, considerateness, and others as listed above.
In Sri VIshnu Sahasranamam Yudhistra asks Bhishma as "Ko dharma sarva Dharmaanaam bhavatah paramo mataha What is your opinion about the greatest Dharma .
Bhishma replied as Sri Vishnu Sahasranama, by meditating on these names or by invoking the names through archana (Offering), our minds can be lifted to higher consciousness, and that alone is Great Dharma. The thousand naamas are storehouses of proven spiritual content that can easily uplift our minds to do only Dharma . In NaMa ,Na is for Naramandala and Ma is for manas, our Mind. NaMa, the chanting of which helps to unite our nervous system and Mind to do only Dharma.
Recitation of SRI VISHNU SAHASRANAMAM is sure to bring us unwavering calm of mind, complete freedom from stress and eternal knowledge. Nothing evil or inauspicious will befall a man here or hereafter who daily hears or repeats HIS names. The word Sahasranamam applies only to Sri vIshnu Sahasranamam earlier, though in later periods we have Sahasranamam to other divine Gods . There are names repeated often in this , but each one has its own significance. Any devoted man, getting up early in the morning and purifying himself, repeats this hymn devoted to Sriman Narayana , with a mind that is concentrated on Him, that man attains to great fame, leadership among his peers, wealth that is secure and the supreme good unsurpassed by anything. He will be free from all fears and be endowed with great courage and energy and he will be free from diseases. Beauty of form, strength of body and mind, and virtuous character will be natural to him.It is said as one who reads this hymn every day or at any time conveniently allocated for this with devotion and attention attains to peace of mind, patience, prosperity, mental stability, memory and reputation.
With such thoughts in mind, by the grace of Sriman Narayana , we can try to do this Dharma Yagnam of knowing greatness of Dharma Sthothram , Sri Vishnu Sahasranmam in coming issues .
In divine service
ARUMBULIYUR JAGANNATHAN RANGARAJANDHARMA STHOTHRAM
Part 2
In the first issue of Dharma Sthothram, Yudhistra asking Bhishma on his opinion about the greatest Dharma was dealt. Bhishma replied then as by meditating Sri Vishnu Sahasranama ,thousand names or by invoking the names through archana (Offering), our minds can be lifted to higher consciousness, and that alone is Great Dharma.
In Mahabharatha , Yudhisthira, the eldest of the pandavas, at the end of the war approached Bhishma, and asked six questions,which forms as part of Dhyana sloka in Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam.
Kimekam dhaivatam loke? kim vaapyekam parayanam?
stuvantam kam prapnuyuh manavah subham?
ko dharmah sarva dharmanaam bhavatah paramo matah?
kim japam muchyate jantur janma samsara bandhanath?
Bhishma considered chanting of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama as the best and easiest of all Dharmas, and it forms as the means to attain relief from all bondage. Chanting of this Sthothram is sure to give relief from all our sorrows and make us to feel happy with peace of mind throughout. Veda Vyasa the foremost knower of Vedas strung together the thousand names as the essence of the Mahabharata and preserved it for the world .Narada, and all Azhwars, recognized this in their devotional works, as this is also in line with Srimad Bagavath Gita’s teachings.
Sri Ramanujar insisted on( viveka, vimoka, abhyas, kriya, kalyana, satyam, arjavam, daya, ahimsa, dana, anavasada,) Discrimination, longing for Narayana , ever thinking, doing only good, wishing well, truthfulness, integrity, compassion, non violence, charity, cheerfulness with hope in all his teachings. He stressed Bhakthi as knowledge of God as well as obedience to God. Ramanuja is said to have fulfilled his vow of perpetuating Parasara’s name by giving it to the elder son of his friend and follower Kurattazhwar , and directed him to compose a commentary on Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam. Parasara Bhattar completed this task in compliance with his masters instructions and the commentary is known as Bhagavath guna darpana, means "Mirror reflecting God's qualities, which projects the countless auspicious natures of the lord’’. Parasara Bhattar sees a thread of connectivity between thousand namas and he has grouped them in 44 types. He associates each type with one of the incarnations or Vibhutis of Sriman narayana .In his vyakhyanam we can see the meaning of each Nama being linked with the meaning of previous Nama in the type. He has said that Vishnu Sahasranamam has no equal and it absolves people of all sins.
This Dharmasthothram article will be based only on Parasara Bhattar’s Vyakyanam . Audi Sankarar has said Gita and Vishnu Sahasranamam should be chanted by all and it bestows all noble virtues to the devotees.While analyzing the meaning of the term Vishnu in SRI Vishnu Sahasranama , he appeals to the lord to make him shed his ego, and grant him the quality of humility. He pleads with God to give him the power to utter the glories in each names and thereby reveal the right path to reach Him. Let us also try to follow such great sage's teachings , shed our pride and see the Supreme God everywhere.
It is generally acknowledged that constant repetition of Ramanama serves as a boat to take them across the sea of samsara and lands them in paramapada. Lord Siva addressed Parvathi as uttering Rama’s name thrice is equivalent to reciting thousand names of Vishnu, as I chant Rama. Rama, Rama and constantly enjoy this beautiful sound. This Holy Name of SriRamachandra is equal to one thousand names of Sri Maha Vishnu as
Sri rama rama rameti rame rame manorame; sahasra nama tat tulyam rama nama varanane . It is also said as pious results achieved by chanting thousand names of Vishnu Sahasranama are possible even by uttering holy name of Krishna once as
sahasra-namnam punyanam, trir-avrttya tu yat phalam; ekavrttya tu krsnasya, namaikam tat prayacchati .
Lord Krishna said, "Arjuna, One may be desirous of praising by reciting the thousand names. But, on my part, I feel praised by one Sloka .There is no doubt about it.
vishnor nama sahasrasya vedavyaso mahamunih |
chandonustup tatha devo bhagavan devaki sutah ||
Lord Krishna the son of Devaki, being worshipped in one thousand names in the metre of Anushtup of eight syllables per quarter was revealed by Bhishma to Yudhishtra and strung together by great sage Vedavyasa . In recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam ,it is the spirit or bhava only that matters, and so as long as one chants the name of God with sincerity, considerations such as not knowing the meaning, not knowing the pronunciation, etc., do not matter, and Lord Krishna the Supreme who is the savior of all of us will surely confer His blessings on us.

It is observed that there are 1030 names in this, but later rounded it as 1000 only. There are 960 single word namas. Namas with more than one word such as Mukthanam paramo gatha, Mangalam param,gurur gurutamah , bhoor bhuva, etc.is 30 . There is a repetition of two names in 4 times, three names in 12 times, and eighty-two names in 2 times.
Bhishma lists out qualities of ten attributes of sriman Narayna as follows, which form as part of Dhyana sloka in Sahasranamam. ;
Anathinidhanam vishnum sarvaloka mahewaram lokathyaksham sthuvan nithyam sarva dukathi ko bhaveth brahmanyam sarva dharmagnam lokanam keerthy vardhanam lokanatham mahatbootham sarvabootha bhavothbhavam
1. The beginning less and endless- He is ever ready to help, not limited by any time
2. Vishnu- Not limited by space, all pervasive
3. Great ruler of all the worlds –He possess mighty powers to fulfill the wishes of devotees.
4. Supervisor of the worlds- Great natural quality of never forgetting but remembering to fulfill the wishes of devotees.
5. Brahmanyam- To be known from Vedas – All Vedas praise Him .
6. Knower of all Dharmas – Appreciation of sastras taught ,Bhakthi and praises
7. Enhancing the fame of the world –By praising Him the person becomes himself as praiseworthy person.
8. Master of the worlds- Endowed with Supreme greatness deserving all praises.
9. Mahatbutham- Great personality- Naturally possessing supreme wealth, charm, power, with simple unassuming qualities
10. Cause of all beings- Cause of existence, showing His grace for ever.
Dharma is the moral path; the moral path is the Light; the Light is Ananda. Dharma is characterised by holiness, peace, truth and fortitude. Dharma is Yoga, Union , Merger; it is Sathya. Its attributes are justice, sense-control, sense of honour, love, dignity, goodness, meditation, sympathy, non-violence; such is Dharma that persists through the ages. It leads one on to Universal Love and Unity. It is the highest Discipline and the most profitable. All this 'unfoldment' began with Dharma; all this is stabilised by Sathya; Sathya is inseparable from Dharma. Sathya is the law of the Universe, which makes the sun and the moon revolve in their orbits. Dharma is the Vedas and the Mantras, the Gnana they convey. Dharma is the course, the path, the law. Wherever there is adherence to morality, there one can see Sathya-dharma in action. In the Bhagavatha too, it is said, "where there is Dharma, there is Krishna; where there are both Dharma and Krishna together, there is Victory". Dharma is the very embodiment of the Lord; since the world itself is the body of the Lord, the world is but another name for the Moral Order.
Such a Dharma in sthothram form is Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam.
Note. With few more notes on Dhyana slokams this will be continued on the meanings of all the Namas in brief in coming issues.
To be continued.....
Arumbuliyur Jagannathan RangarajanDHARMA STHOTHRAM
Part 3
Dharma is the moral path; the moral path is the Light; the Light is Ananda. Dharma is characterised by holiness, peace, truth and fortitude. Dharma is Yoga, Union , Merger; it is Sathya. Its attributes are justice, sense-control, sense of honour, love, dignity, goodness, meditation, sympathy, non-violence; such is Dharma that persists through the ages. It leads one on to Universal Love and Unity. It is the highest Discipline and the most profitable. All this 'unfoldment' began with Dharma; all this is stabilised by Sathya; Sathya is inseparable from Dharma. Sathya is the law of the Universe, which makes the sun and the moon revolve in their orbits. Dharma is the Vedas and the Mantras, the Gnana they convey. Dharma is the course, the path, the law. Wherever there is adherence to morality, there one can see Sathya-dharma in action. In the Bhagavatha too, it is said, "where there is Dharma, there is Krishna; where there are both Dharma and Krishna together, there is Victory". Dharma is the very embodiment of the Lord; since the world itself is the body of the Lord, the world is but another name for the Moral Order.
The greatest Dharma is Vishnu, who has neither a beginning Aadhi nor an end Nidhananam who is the world supreme Lord "Mahewaram " . Such a Dharma in sthothram form is Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam.
Paramam yo Mahat Tejah Paramam yo mahat tapaha / Paramam yo mahath brahma Paramam yah parayanam // Pavithranam yo pavithram yo Mangalanam cha mangalam
Vishnu is' yo' the very sanctity "Pavithram " that sanctifies all sacred things Pavithranam , who is most auspicious Mangalam , who is the god"Devataa" of gods Daivatham , who is the eternal Avyaayah ,who is a father Pithaa ,of all creatures Bhoothaanam he is the one god – MAHA VISHNU.Purest of the pure is mentioned here as He is the agency for purifying in a particular way. Purification is just removal of impurity. Similarly He is said to be the most intensely desirable , being more desirable than fragrant garlands.
The very first slokam in Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam is Om visvam vishnur- vashatkaaro bhoota-bhavya-bhavat-prabhuhbhoota-krit bhoota-bhith bhaavo bhootaatmaa bhoota-bhaavanah.
In that Visvam is the first nama. Visvam - This is full in all aspects. Sriman Narayana being good in perfection and fullness, with all important nature, form, qualities, characters, glory, superiority and auspiciousness is first explained in the very first nama. Sriman Narayana , being the possessor of unlimited immense fame is considered as most fitting place in the beginning and so called as Visvam. Visvam may also be taken as universe or Brahmam , but Sriman narayana or Vishnu is the only apt meaning in this. Because it denotes He who created and entered into the entire universe , He whose manifestation is the whole universe and He who is the All-Pervading Reality. As the entire universe has entered and established in HIM we view Sriman narayana as cause for the universe .In Geeta sloka 8.13, ‘OM ltyekaaksharam Brahma’.it is clearly stated that Ohm, brahman and Sriman Narayana are not different. OM is the suprenme combination of letters.
It is said each namas contain vedamanthra. So the effect of recitation of Sri vishnu Sahasranama equals the entire vedaparayanam. In that Rama manthra has significant power , because the meaning of Gayathrimanthra was established in Ramavatharam. RA is the second letter in Rama sabdam ya ra, la and so it is 2. Ma is the fifth letter in 'pa, pha, ba,.bha, ma' and so it is 5 . So Rama is thus 2x5 =10. Three times Rama is thereore 10x10x10= 1000. Thus numerically also proved Rama is equivalent to Sahasranamam. This is again stressed as Rama is Sri Mahavishnu, Sriman Narayana the Supreme God.
My prayers to Sriman narayana to give enough strength, knowledge and wisdom to continue this Dharma Sthothram
To be continued.....
Arumbuliyur Jagannathan Rangarajan