Sriman Narayaneeyam - ஸ்ரீமந் நாராயணீயம்-My Learning Journey _Part -3

 Dasakam 27 & 28

Check out my old post

Gurukripaksham suka dinam to see the detailed Golu doll representation of the Amruta Mandanam story.

Yadā saṁharate chāyaṁ kūrmo ’ṅgānīva sarvaśaḥ Indriyāṇīndriyārthebhyas tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā

When a person withdraws the senses from the objects of the senses, just as a tortoise withdraws its limbs into its shell, that person’s wisdom is firmly established. 

In the midst of life’s churning and distractions, we must remain steady (Kurma), control our senses (Gita 2.58), and stay anchored in our true Self to experience the nectar of wisdom and immortality.

I prepared the appam for **Kurma**, I kept thinking about how He silently supported the great mountain during the churning of the ocean.

When I poured the batter into the kuzhi paniyaram kal, I felt patient and focused. Watching each appam turn golden and round filled me with quiet joy. The outcome looked perfect  and my heart felt full.

Dasakam 28 second sloka was difficult to chant

During Samudra Manthanam, divine treasures like Kamadhenu came only after great effort and struggle. Likewise, even chanting about those divine events should not always feel easy.

Our guru mami said that though Bhattathiri has already simplified everything for us, we should at least experience some difficulty while chanting. Divine blessings are precious and are not gained without effort.

This small struggle in learning the sloka reminds me to be humble, patient, and sincere. Just as nectar came after poison, grace comes after effort. I accept the difficulty as part of my devotion. 🙏

The churning of the ocean produced many treasures, but Mahālakṣmī, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, emerges as the ultimate divine gift.

She represents both material wealth and spiritual fulfillment and is inseparably connected to Vishnu.

Through hard work and righteous effort, both spiritual wisdom and material abundance come into our lives.

Dasakam 29 & 30

In the 29th Dasakam of the Narayaneeyam, Lord Vishnu’s Mohini form is described, which appeared to delude the Asuras so that the amrita (nectar of immortality) would go to the Devas.

 It is mentioned that Lord Shiva wished to see this enchanting form, and this divine encounter eventually led to the birth of Lord Ayyappa. This Dasakam beautifully illustrates the cosmic interplay of Vishnu and Shiva in preserving dharma.

Dasakam 30 

explains the divine Vāmana avatāra.

* King MahaBali, grandson of Prahlāda, was revived by Śukrācārya after being defeated.
* Aditi observed “पयोव्रतम्” (Payovratam) for twelve days.
Pleased with her devotion, the Lord was born as “बालरूपम्” (bālarūpam).
*Vāmana’s Upanayanam is described beautifully in Sloka 6.
*He accepted “मौञ्जी-दण्ड-अजिनम्” (mauñjī-daṇḍa-ajinam) like a brahmachāri.
*The Supreme Lord followed dharma with humility.
*MahaBali washed the Lord’s feet — “पादप्रक्षालनम्” (pāda-prakṣālanam).
This Dasakam teaches devotion, humility, and surrender.

Dasakam - 31 & 32

Dasakam 31 describes the glory of Vāmana at Bali’s yajña.

Vāmana shines like a young

 brahmachāri — “ब्रह्मचारी-वेषधारी”

He politely asks MahaBali for 

"त्रीणि पदानि” (three steps of land).

Guru Śukrācārya warns MahaBali not to give the boon.

But king MahaBali  keeps his promise with firm - “सत्यव्रतः”

Vindhyāvali was the devoted and noble wife of King Bali. She supported her husband in all his duties.

He offers water to complete the dānam.

The Lord then grows into a

 huge form — “त्रिविक्रमरूपम्”.

@Puri jaganath temple ECR

With one step He covers the earth,

With the second step He covers the heavens.

When Lord Vamana asks where is the place for me to place the third step? Without second thoughts Mahabali asked God to place the third step on his own head. What a bhakthi he had just like his grandfather prahlada.

Thus shines the divine glory of Trivikrama.

King MahaBali is an example of Atma Nivedanam (self-surrender)which is the highest form of devotion in Navavidha Bhakti, where a devotee completely surrenders their body, mind, and soul to God, retaining no ego or personal desire.

Dasakam 32-

It describes the Matsya Avatar of Lord Vishnu. To be honest, this is the first time I am listening to the story in such detail. Our guru mami narrates every story so beautifully that we never feel bored. I feel very happy to be her student and truly blessed to learn in this way.

In this avatar, Lord Vishnu took the form of Matsya to protect the Vedas from the demon Hayagriva. The small fish that first appeared to King Satyavrata kept growing-from a pot to a tank, then to a lake and finally into the vast ocean. This showed that the divine presence cannot be contained in small limits.

At the end of the Dasakam, when the great deluge (pralaya) happens, the Lord in the Matsya form guides the boat carrying King Satyavrata, the sages, and the seeds of life safely through the waters. He also defeats the demon Hayagriva and restores the Vedas, preserving sacred knowledge for the next creation.

Picture from Google as no picture allowed inside 

Recently, we visited the Matsya Narayan temple at Utthandi on ECR-Chennai. It is an open temple built near the seashore, which felt very meaningful and connected to the story of the Matsya Avatar.

I noticed many people throwing coins into the water there. It made me realize that just as the Matsya shape grew in size, so might our riches and rewards. (Just sharing my take on it).

Those who visit temple can also visit Orissa model Puri Jeganath temple nearby.

I'm happy for the opportunity to hear these heavenly stories and grasp their deeper meaning. May the Lord Vishnu, who protected the Vedas, guide and strengthen our dedication and wisdom.

🙏🙏Hare Krishna 🙏🙏

47 years of togetherness!!!

 March 2 1979

47 years of beautiful togetherness ❤️

Andha naal… streets ellam sandhoshathoda irundhadhu ✨

My parents’ wedding at our grandparents’ home was not just a function - it was an emotion.

Oru kovil sandhippu…

oru simple conversation…

appadiye rendu kudumbam serndhadhu.

In those days, “ponnu paakanum, yosikanum” nu romba kashtam illai…

Hearts were pure, decisions were simple, and blessings were strong. 💛

Especially my kollu Patti’s presence made that day even more special.

Those who missed the wedding still say, “Appo vandhirundha, Patti-ah paathirukkalam…”(my mom used to say this her patti loved her so much)

Today, while celebrating Amma & Appa’s 48th Wedding Anniversary,

I remember both my grandparents with love and gratitude.Avanga aasirvadham dhaan innum namma kudumbathukku balam. 🙏

Happy Wedding Anniversary Amma & Appa 💐

Ungaloda anbu, porumai, puridhal -engalukku oru vazhkai paadam. ❤️

my old post Poetical rhymes- about my parents in tamil

On this day sharing few memories with my Paternal and maternal grandparents.

Paternal Grandparents- Maternal Grandparents 

Maternal grandparents

Unjal Memories with My Manakkal Thatha

My Thatha took us across the country on magical train rides - not on real tracks, but on the unjal in my Manakkal thatha home ( from childhood me and my sisters refer them that way). Earlier days there was big pattasalai(hall) with the oonjal in the corner. The ceiling felt so high, and the whole hall echoed with our laughter. He would swing his grandchildren with so much joy, as though he were the engine driver and station master, proudly blowing the whistle to signal every stop. In our little world, he was both.Thatha would push us higher and higher, almost close to the ceiling fan, while we screamed with joy.

From his thoppu, he would bring us bananas, mangoes, and jackfruit - gifts filled with love more than sweetness. Every day, he travelled on his bicycle, simple and disciplined and every night, he enjoyed his favorite paal sadam with quiet contentment.

My grandfather and grandmother were truly made for each other. They did not speak much, yet their understanding was deep and beautiful. I remember one particular moment - my Patti, who often fasted for various Gods, would not eat until she finished her pooja, and sometimes she fasted the entire day. Once, while fasting, she told me, “See, your Thatha will ask if I have eaten today.” And just as she said, he gently asked, “Sundari, saptiya?” I stood there in wonder at their silent bond. I still cherish the day I received appreciation from Thatha for making rasam when he visited our home. Amma and Patti had gone out, so I prepared it myself. His words of praise meant the world to me.

Manakkal Patti

From my Patti - my Sloka chanting queen - I was blessed to learn sacred hymns like the Hanuman Chalisa, Lalitha Sahasranama, soundarya lahari and Vishnu Sahasranama, along with many short slokas. Chanting with her is one of the greatest blessings of my childhood. I feel especially grateful that we were able to organize Lalitha Sahasranama and Vishnu Sahasranama parayanam in our home on our wedding day - a tribute to the values she instilled in us.

After her marriage, she wore madisar and travelled everywhere in it with dignity and grace. She was a bold and strong woman.

Pooja room would look so divine and those vibes are not there now.She used to recite slokas when she cook food.She would draw a large Hanuman on chart paper and carefully write “Sree Ramajeyam” to fill the entire picture. I have chanted Hanuman chalisa 100 times for my patti prepared prasadam for puja when they sold their farm land. We once celebrated Patti’s birthday with a cake-cutting ,sponsored lovingly by Thatha. My cousins and I excitedly went shopping for her gift. After much confusion about what to buy, we chose a beautiful brass flower-keeping urli. Though we didn’t have a camera to capture those moments, they remain clearly etched in my heart. During Margazhi month, we woke up early to chant Thirupavai and Thiruvenbavai. The taste of hot pongal served on mantharai leaves still lingers in my memory. Patti’s cooking was unmatched -especially her snake gourd kootu. No one could ever recreate that taste. She even tried new recipes from Mangayar Malar magazine, always eager to learn and experiment.

Paternal Grandparents

My Thatha was not just my grandfather. He was my protector, my teacher, my biggest blessing. A true gem in our family.

Every single day of his life began with chanting Bhagavan namas. Before the sun rose, before the world became busy, his voice would softly fill our home. That sound was my childhood’s peace. It felt like the house itself was protected by his prayers. Even today, when I think of devotion, I see him sitting calmly, eyes closed, chanting with complete faith.

I am so proud to say that I was his favorite granddaughter. My parents still tell me about a moment that shows how deeply he loved me. Once, someone asked him if they could take me to their home. Without hesitation, he said he would not give me away — not even for crores of money. To him, I was beyond value. That kind of love is rare and unconditional.

During our childhood days, he would buy us watch mittai and small treats. But what made him special was that he never bought things only for us. Whatever he purchased, he made sure every child playing on our street received something. He believed happiness should be shared. No child around him ever felt left out. The Golu doll I purchased now is in his memory. It reminds me of those Navaratri days filled with laughter, sweets, bhajans, and togetherness. It reminds me of him.See my old post Navarathri Golu Memories_ Over the years!! Diwali was always special in our house. My mother would dress all of us grandly for every function. But for me, Diwali had an extra layer of love because I was scared of bursting crackers. Instead of laughing at my fear, Thatha carefully made a customized kambi mathappu holder so I could safely light sparklers. That small handmade holder was his way of saying, “I am here, don’t be afraid.” That was his love , protective and thoughtful. Music flowed in his heart. He sang beautiful bhajans while playing the harmonium. His voice carried devotion and peace. He once wished to buy an updated harmonium, but it never happened. Yet he never complained. He sang with what he had. His bhajans did not need anything modern -they came straight from his soul. When we celebrated my elder sister’s first coming-of-age function, he lovingly teased, “If you are doing this much now, how much will you do for their marriages?” Today, with his blessings, all of us are married and settled in life. His words feel like blessings that became reality. Then came the day I will never forget. It was my Grade 7 half-yearly Maths exam. That morning, before leaving for school, I went to him for blessings as usual. Even though he was not well, he still asked about my exam. In his loving way, he questioned me with a few Maths sums. Teaching us, testing us - that was how he showed care. But that day, his speech was not clear. His words were slow and faint. I tried my best to understand and answer him properly. He blessed me. I did not know that would be the last time he would speak to me. That was the first death I ever witnessed in my life. Until then, death was just a word. That day, it became real. The house felt silent in a way it never had before. Something inside me changed. Childhood innocence quietly faded. He left this world after blessing me for my exam. And I truly believe those blessings are still with me - not just in exams, but in every test life gives me. Coffee was his all-time favorite. It was his simple joy. Even when he breathed his last, he asked for coffee. That was him -simple, grounded, content till the very end. If he sees my coffee post He would jump out of joy for sure. Coffee Purana ☕ He taught me devotion without forcing it. He taught me generosity without announcing it. He taught me love without conditions. My Thatha may not be physically here, but his chants still echo in my mornings, his bhajans still play in my heart, and his blessings still guide my path. He was my first experience of love so pure. And my first experience of loss so deep. Forever his proud and blessed granddaughter. 🤍

About my pattiamma

This one picture tells many stories my Pattiamma with his great grand children 

Patti patti engal patti akila patti!!!

Akila patti romba romba super patti!!!

Visit my old blog post about  her 

Akila patti's Life journey 1932-2021

These are only a few of the countless memories from my childhood. Every moment with my Thatha and Patti was filled with love, devotion, simplicity, and warmth treasures I will carry in my heart forever.

Coffee Purana ☕

Our morning coffee ritual reminds us of the 90s Narasus Coffee ad- “Besh besh, romba nalla irukku!”. 

For years, we have followed the same ritual. Fresh coffee powder measured carefully - two or three spoons into the filter. Hot water poured gently over it. Then comes the waiting. The slow dripping of decoction, dark and strong, collecting below.

We must handle the filter carefully; it will be hot when we lift it to check. One careless touch reminds us with its heat. Sometimes the decoction takes its own time, testing our patience. We peek inside, wondering if it has finished. And then, just a small tap on the top - and the dripping becomes steady, as though it only needed gentle encouragement.

The first decoction tastes ultimate. Thick, aromatic, full of strength. When mixed with hot milk and poured back and forth until *nuray pongi*, the froth rising beautifully on top, the first sip feels like comfort itself.

The second and third decoctions are preserved for later in the day. They are lighter, softer. On days when coffee powder is less at home, we use it cautiously, making slightly watery decoction. My younger one immediately notices — “Coffee is bland today,” he says. He always knows the difference.

I don’t prefer Bru coffee. It never gives me the satisfaction of true filter coffee. Very few hotels prepare it properly, so I avoid coffee outside. For me, coffee means home made filter coffee.

The milk too makes a difference.

Coffee made with fresh cow’s milk tastes richer, slightly sweet,and wholesome. The texture feels thicker, the froth fuller, the flavour deeper. It reminds me of simpler days - natural, unhurried mornings.

Packet milk is convenient and consistent. It makes good coffee. But somehow, the depth feels lighter. The taste is not as rounded as with fresh milk. The first decoction with fresh cow’s milk - that combination feels complete.

Both my kids love coffee. They love making it for me, especially when I feel tired. Watching them prepare it carefully fills me with quiet happiness. Coffee tastes different when it is made with love.

Earlier, we used to buy pure coffee without chicory from the **Indian Coffee House Hotel, T. Nagar**. It was simple, and strong(as a side kick 😛 we also get everyday freshly prepared carrot and beetroot halwa there) Over time, we tried different varieties - Udhayam,kothas,Davidoff, home-ground powders - each offering a new note, a new experience, yet all rooted in that familiar ritual.

There was a time when, if we ran out of coffee powder, we could borrow some from neighbours. In those days, morning filter coffee was a ritual in every house. Now it feels rare. When our favourite brand is out of stock at the shop, we simply wait. Good coffee is worth waiting for.

Serving a cup of coffee to guests is an important part of our hospitality. It is a tradition that has been followed for many years and continues even today. Offering coffee shows care, respect, and warmth toward others. When a relative welcomes us with a cup of coffee, we feel happy and valued. It gives us comfort and makes us feel at home. On the other hand, when someone does not even ask if we would like one, we may feel a little disappointed. It is treated as respect custom/ritual 😜

I often wonder how my mother and grandmother prepare coffee in such large quantities during family functions and gatherings. Making coffee itself is an art, but preparing it continuously for many people is truly a special skill. They carefully manage the milk, decoction, and sugar without exact measurements, yet the taste always turns out perfect. When there is a shortage of milk, they adjust it with a little hot water. The first, second, and even third decoction is wisely used so that even unexpected guests are served without confusion. That responsibility usually goes to the person who can manage everything calmly and confidently.

I can make coffee cup by cup, though I once felt afraid of getting the milk, decoction, and sugar ratios right. I worried it might become too strong, too watery, or too sweet. Recently, with practice, I have mastered that art and now feel more confident in preparing a good cup. Watching my mother and grandmother handle such a big task so smoothly makes me realize that coffee is not just a drink. It has a special place in our culture—it is a symbol of love, connection, tradition, and togetherness passed down through generations.

When we first moved abroad, we carried coffee powder and coffee filter from India, unsure if we would find proper filter coffee there. Later, discovering Udhayam Filter Coffee at Mustafa Centre and Lulu Hypermarket brought me immense joy, even if it was a bit expensive.

My husband enjoys coffee from Starbucks and also wherever he finds a good cup while travelling/visiting other countries. At home, however, he is loyal to our ritual  mostly. When Udhayam is out of stock, he sometimes buys Davidoff. I don’t always know how he likes it, but he still drinks it with condensed milk, perhaps trying to recreate the taste he loves. It is a small adaptation, a quiet flexibility in our otherwise precise routine.

These days, we even travel a little farther to buy freshly ground coffee powder from a home-based seller because we love its authentic taste.

I still remember my mom preserving padma Coffee powder purchase bills for redeeming gifts like tumbler,tiffin boxes etc.... 

And so, our coffee story continues —

brewed with patience,

strengthened by ritual,

shared with family,

carried across countries,

strong like the first decoction,

warm like home.

Even if **Kumbakonam Degree Coffee** isn’t the same today lost its originality and diluted, each cup still brings warmth and togetherness.

Coffee is not just a drink.

It is memory.

It is tradition.

It is love served in a tumbler. ☕

🌾 My Rice-Free to Millets Lifestyle Shift

Thinnai Mavalliku for Thai Velli

In most South Indian homes, rice is more than food.It is comfort. It is routine. It is culture.From soft idlis in the morning to steaming sambar rice for lunch and comforting curd rice at night , rice quietly fills our plates and our lives.For years, it filled mine too.But recently, I made a simple decision:

Not a diet. Not a restriction. Just a lifestyle shift.I decided to explore life without rice.

🌿 It Wasn’t About Weight. It Was About Well-Being.

I didn’t start this journey because rice is “bad.”

I started because I wanted to feel lighter, more energetic, and more in control of my eating habits.I noticed:

* Afternoon sluggishness

* Frequent hunger

* Mindless evening snacking

* Feeling overly full after meals

Instead of cutting food drastically, I asked myself:

What if I just changed the base of my plate?

🌾 Rediscovering Our Traditional Grains

Ironically, the solution wasn’t new.It was old.Before polished white rice became dominant, our grandparents regularly ate millets. So I slowly began replacing rice with:

* Thinai (Foxtail millet)

* Kambu (Pearl millet)

* Ragi (Finger millet)

* Samai (Little millet)

* Godhuma rava (broken wheat)

*Kuthiraivalli(barnyard millet)

The beauty?I didn’t have to change my cuisine -only the grain.

Sambar stayed.

Keerai stayed.

Curd stayed.

Even dosa stayed -just with a twist.

What My Day Looks Like Now?

Breakfast:Millet-based dosa or upma or kuthiraivalli Pongal with chutney with coffee.

Mid-morning: Buttermilk or fresh vegetables

Lunch: Millet “rice” with sambar, vegetables, and curd

Evening: Nuts or sundal with coffee

Dinner:Light millet porridge or wheat rava dishes

It feels familiar.It feels traditional.But it also feels balanced.

🌸 Festivals, Poojas, and Flexibility

Lets be honest - discipline is tested when festivals, family poojas, or celebrations happen. These are days when rice-based meals, sweets, and prasad are part of devotion and joy.Here’s what I learned:

1 **Mindset Matters**

It’s not “cheating.” It’s participating. Saying *“I’m celebrating today”* instead of *“I broke my diet”* changes everything.

2 **Eat Mindfully**

Take smaller portions and stop before feeling overly full.

3 **Balance Your Day**

Light breakfast, enough water, and more vegetables during festival meals help reduce heaviness

4 **Return to Routine Immediately**

One festival day doesn’t erase your progress. Your next meal simply continues your mindful eating journey.Food at pooja is not just carbohydrates.It is blessing.

💡 What Changed After This Shift

* Feeling More energetic through the day

* Less post-meal sleepiness

* Better awareness of portion sizes

I simply prepare half of the rice substitute for myself and the regular rice for my children. Kids also like the Pongal and Dosa variation in millet.In particular they adore barnyard millet Pongal with brinjal gothsu.

During a recent outing in Chennai, we were pleasantly surprised to find that some hotels, like New Balajee Bhavan, serve kuthiraivalli Pongal along with other dishes.

Despite the bland flavour i began to enjoy taste of millets because of their health benefits.Most importantly, these days I became more conscious of what I eat - not just how much.

I once wrote about my love for rice  to know more visit this page https://anuradharajaraman.blogspot.com/2025/12/curd-rice-aka-thayir-sadam-worlds-most.html?m=1

On the whole ,it’s not perfection but consistency, awareness, and balance that create lasting habits.

Turning 18: Birthday • Books • Ballot” 🎂📚🗳️

Dear Sukarman,

Turning eighteen is more than just a number,it is a milestone, a mix of excitement, responsibility, and self-discovery. This year marks your first steps into adulthood: celebrating your birthday, tackling important exams, and embracing your right to vote. 

The house is the same.

Time is not.

I see you at three:

head on our hands,

calm, trusting, certain.

Food was a battle;

love the only truce.

When your brother came,

grandparents, great-grandmother

offered dishes of every taste,

every texture,

each one a quiet promise.

You fight like Tom and Jerry,

love like anchors.

Every chase, every prank, every laugh 

stronger than any quarrel.

One year abroad.

New classrooms.

New voices.

You adapted.

No fuss.

No fear.

Strength quietly carried home.

Rhythm and motion-

basketball and mridhangam,

the joy of travel,

the pulse of stillness

you found yourself

between movement and calm.

If I feel sick,

you quietly prepare hot water,

sometimes with jeera,

letting your care speak louder than words.

Last year, T. Nagar,

traffic rushing,

I reached for your hand.

You did not take it.

Small moment.

But it stayed.

Adulthood arrives softly.

Not suddenly.

But gently.

Your empathy comforts me:

the noticing, the kindness,

the quiet way you hold the world.

Eighteen is not an ending.

It is a beginning.

The roads will widen.

My hands will no longer be home.

And yet....

love remains.

Always.

May this post remind you of the young adult you’ve become, inspire you to embrace every challenge, celebrate every joy, and always step forward with confidence and kindness.

With all my love,

Amma.

Sriman Narayaneeyam - ஸ்ரீமந் நாராயணீயம்-My Learning Journey _Part -2

 🌿 Story of Gajendra Moksha 🌿

Bhakti nityam Narayanam smaret,
Moksha labhet, bhayam hareth.
Meaning:
Always remember Narayana with devotion.
Liberation comes, and all fears are removed

Gajendra:-

* The king Indradyumna was born as an elephant named Gajendra.

* The king did not greet Sage Agastya properly.

* The sage got angry and cursed him to be born as an elephant.

* Even though he had an animal body, his past devotion remained within him.

 The Crocodile:-

* The crocodile who attacked Gajendra was a Gandharva named Hūhū.

* He had been cursed by Sage Devala to become a crocodile.

🌸Bhagavan  Rescues Gajendra🌸 

namo namas te ’khila-kāraṇāya
niṣkāraṇāyādbhuta-kāraṇāya
sarvāgamāmnāya-mahārṇavāya
namo ’pavargāya parāyaṇāya

* The crocodile caught Gajendra’s leg in a lake.

* After struggling for a long time, Gajendra prayed to Lord Vishnu.

* Vishnu came and killed the crocodile with His Sudarshana Chakra.

 🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️

* Gajendra attained liberation (moksha).

* Hūhū was freed from his curse and returned to his Gandharva form.

🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️🕉️

🌸Most important Lesson Learned 🌸

     True devotion (bhakti) is never destroyed.

     It carries across births.

     It saves us in times of danger.

🌸 Gajendra Moksha & Narayaneeyam🌸 

• The story of Gajendra Moksha is considered a Phala Stuti (verse praising the benefits) of the Narayaneeyam.

• Gajendra’s devotion shows that bhakti carries across births.

• We think of God only in trouble, but true devotion to Him stays with us across births.

• The ultimate goal is liberation, not just rebirth.

• Our guru, Mami, advised chanting this dasakam 26 every morning to cultivate devotion and connect with Narayana. 

Let us remember Lord Narayana sincerely every day.His name will stay with us beyond this life.

PS: At Nagapattinam Sri Soundararaja Perumal Temple, Gajendra Mokasham Festival is being celebrated every year during Vaikunda Ekadhasi time, more news about the same here. It is a real a treat to watch the demonstration that will be arranged using dolls. Children will enjoy the same.

                                🙏Sree Haraye Namah🙏

Sriman Narayaneeyam - ஸ்ரீமந் நாராயணீயம்-My Learning Journey _Part -1

Asmin parathman nanu paathmakalpe

Thvamithamutthapitha padmayonihi I

Anantha bhooma mama roga raashim,

Nirundhi vaathalaya vaasa vishno. II

அஸ்மின் பராத்மன் நனு பாத்மகல்பே

த்வமிதமுத்தபித பத்மயோனிஹி

அனந்த பூம மம ரோக ராஷிம்

நிருந்தி வாதலய வாச விஷ்ணோ

  

Years before this study started, I used to recite this sloka(dasakam-8) every day for the benefit of my younger kid. I didn't know much at the time; I just knew that it was from Sriman Narayaneeyam, and Periva had advised me to recite this mantra because it was said to cure all illnesses. Those benefits were much needed, and I continue to think that they were the result of pure intuition and faith.

I began learning the sacred Sriman Nārāyaṇeeyam written by Melpathur Narayana Bhattathri from November 24, 2025. By the grace of Lord Guruvāyūrappan and the blessings of our revered guru, Smt. Seethalakshmi mami, we completed 25 Daśakams by the end of January. Our classes are held three days a week, each one conducted with discipline, devotion, and reverence. Every session begins with the chanting of the Dhyāna Ślokas and concludes with the closing ślokas. 

Our guru mami, despite her age, dedicates herself wholeheartedly to teaching. With extraordinary patience and devotion, she ensures clarity in meaning, precision in pronunciation, and ensures we adhere to the correct rāgam for every śloka. Her teaching method is systematic and nurturing.She chants the first line for us to repeat twice, and upon completing each śloka, she recites it once fully, which we repeat twice before proceeding. Learning under her guidance has been a sacred blessing.

She also tells us the branch stories related with Srimad Bagavatam to help us understand the meaning better way. 

For example, Vaivatsvata Manu’s story, at its core, is about survival and the continuity of life through a cycle of creation and destruction. 

 Dhruva five year old boy and his desire to meditate upon Lord vishnu by chanting powerful mantra upadesh that he received from sage Narada "Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya." Dhruva’s antarmuka meditation reminds us - no matter what obstacles or challenges come your way, staying focused on your goals and trust in the divine can bring transformation.(dasakam-17)

Prahlada’s story is all about faith. Even when everything around him was against him, his unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu is the heart of the story. 

When hiranyakasibu questions prahlada

adhiiteShu shreShThaM kimiti paripR^iShThe(a)tha tanaye
bhavadbhaktiM varyaamabhigadati paryaakuladhR^itiH |

what is the most important lesson he learnt so far?

prahlada replies unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu.

We were guided through the Daśakams with careful attention to their traditional rāgams.So far we have learnt Santhra ragam, Kalyatham Ragam,Mokshapthi ragam & Astapadi Ragam.

After completing  five Daśakams, we were blessed with the opportunity to attend a Mini Sriman Nārāyaṇeeyam Pārāyaṇam held at our guru mami’s home. In her boundless compassion, she invited me and my friend (We both are learning together)to participate despite our beginner status. Listening attentively and following the chanting after the 5th Daśakam during the pārāyaṇam was a moment of profound grace and humility.

Aṣṭapadi rāgam-Dasakam 9, was challenging yet we managed to learn by spending two days to master the raga and chant with proper pronounciation.

We also learnt the sacred Nārāyaṇa Kavacham ślokas, to be chanted after 23rd dasakam.

The 25th Daśakam, in Santhra rāgam, described the glorious Narasimha Avatāram.After each dasakam SriGuruvayurappan nods his head agreeing to   sri Bhattathri's request. But Sri Guruvayoorappan refuses to nod his head after last line of 25th dasakam as Bhattathri wrote 

prahlaada priya he marutpurapate sarvaamayaatpaahi maam ||

Baghavan says i am not merely prahlada priya but Bhaktha -priya

Bhaktha priya he marutpurapate sarvaamayaatpaahi maam ||

Then Sri Guruvayurappan nods to bhattathri  

On that auspicious day, Pānagam was offered as naivedyam after class, transforming our learning into a heartfelt offering to Lord Krishna.

This journey through Sriman Nārāyaṇeeyam guided by a devoted guru, enriched by disciplined learning, and sustained by divine grace has been deeply transformative. Today i see this practice as more than learning or devotion. This has become my self care routine for this new year - a gentle way to care for my mind, body and thus maintain inner peace.

Prostrating at the feet of our revered guru and ācharyas, we pray for their continued blessings to carry us forward in devotion and discipline, enabling us to complete the learning of the entire one hundred Daśakams of the sacred Sriman Nārāyaṇeeyam.

Gurur Brahmā, Gurur Viṣṇuḥ,

Gurur Devo Maheśvaraḥ

Gurur Sākṣāt Parabrahma,

Tasmai Śrī Gurave Namaḥ

Book:- Various books available online but Sriman Narayaneeyam written by Miss.A.V.Gowri is really very good one as suggested by our Guru Mami.

https://routemybook.com/products_details/sriman-narayaneeyam-bold-print-3149

to be continued..............

                                    🙏Sree Haraye Namah🙏