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.