Navagraha devatha Prarthana

Navagraha Devatha Prarthana
Translated by 

P. R. Ramachander

Soorya souryamadendhurucha padaveem, Sanmangalam mangala,
Sad budhim cha budho Guruscha kurutham Shukra sukham, Sam Sani,
Rahur bahu balam karothu vipulam Kethukulasyonnathim,
Nithyam preethikara bhavanthu bhavatham Sarve Prasanna Graha

Let Sun give me courage,
Moon give high position,
Mars grant auspiciousness,
Let Mercury give good brain,
Let Jupiter give great numbers,
Venus give pleasure,

Saturn give me prosperity,
Rahu give me physical strength and
Kethu greatness of our family,
And let all the planets be pleased with me and start liking me. 

Dasaratha krutha Sanaischara Stotram

Sanaischara Stotram

Composed by

King Dasaratha

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

(I found this rare stotra in a book let published by Vinayak Mandhir Committee  of New delhi, Here fearing the Movement of Sani to Rohini which was expected to cause famine in his country for twelve years , King Dasaratha   reaches the place of Sani to fight him, Instead he prays to him.  Sanaischara blesses him  that the famine will not occur and whosoever reads  this prayer   would realize all his wishes.)

Asya  Sri Sanaischara kavacham  Maha manthrasya   Kasyap Rishi  , anushtup Chanda , Sanaischaro devathaa

For the  great armour of Sani , the  sage is Kashyapa , the meter is anushtup   and the god addressed is Sanaischara.

Sam Bheejam, Nam Shakthi , mam keelakam,  Sanaischara krutha  peeda parihararthe  jape   viniyoga.

Sam is the root  , Nam is the power  , Mam is the nail and this being chanted to  get rid of the problems created by Lord Sanaischara.

Sanaischaraya  Angushtabhyam nama

Mandha gathayai tharjaneebhyaam nama

Adokshajaaya  madhmabhyam nama,

Souraye Anamikabhyaam nama

Sushkodaraya  kanishtikabhyam nama

Chayathmajaya Kara thala prushtabhyaam nama.

Sanaischara  , salutations with thumb,

The slow moving one  , salutation with pointer finger

The one with eternal knowledge   , salutation  with middle finger

The son of Sun God, salutation with ring finger

The one with a thin stomach  , salutation with little finger

The son of Chaya salutation by the hand.

Sanaischaraya  hrudayaya nama

Mandha gathayai sirase swaha

Adokshajaaya  Shikayai vashat

Souraye Kavachaya hum

Sushkodaraya  nethra thrayaya voushat

Chayathmajaya ashtray a phat

Bhoorbawaswarom ithi dig bhandha

Sanaischara  salutation  by the heart

The slow moving one  salutations to the head

The one with eternal knowledge  salutations by the hair,

The son of Sun God   Salutations to the armour

The one with thin stomach  salutations to the three eyes

The son of Chaya devi   salutations by the arrow

Bhoorbhuvasvarom,  I tie all directions

Dhyanam

1.Chapa sanorudhra radhasthu  neela   prathyang mukha  kasyapa gothra Jatha,

Sasoola chapeshu  Gadha dharo avyath   Sourashtra desa  prabhavascha souri.

The  blue one with an ancient bow  riding on a vulture , belonging to Kasyapa Gothra,

Holding a trident   bow  and mace, powerful in SAurashtra    and is the son of Surya.

2.Neelambaro neela vapu   kireti  Grudrasanastho  vikruthananascha,

Keyura  haradhi  vibhooshhithangasadasthu may Mandagathi prasanna.

Let the slow moving one wearing a  blue silk , blue coloured body  , who sits on a hawk,

Who has ugly look  who wears  a crown and a garland  , be always be pleased  with me.

3.Sanaischaraya santhaya   sarvabheeshta pradhayine  ,

Nama sarva athmane   thubhyam namo neelambaraya cha

Salutation to the one clad in blue silk  , who moves slow  . who is peaceful ,

Who fulfills all desires , who is worshipped by    all beings .

4.Dwadasashtama janmani   dwitheeyantheshu rasishu,

Ye ye  may sangha dosha sarve nasyanthu  Maha Prabhu.

Oh great Lord    please destroy all the doshas caused by you,

At the twelfth , eighth ,First and second house.

Sutha Uvacha:-

5.Srunudwam   munayasarve   Sani peeda haram Shubham,

Sani preethikaram stotram   Sarvabheeshta phala  pradham.

Sutha said:-

Oh all sages  please   hear   the prayer liked   by Sani,

Which destroys all troubles  and fulfills all desires.

6.Pura Kailsa Shikare  Parvathyai sankarena cha,

Upadishtam sanai stotram Pravakshyami thapo dhana.

Oh great sages , I will tell you    the prayer  addressed to Sani,

Which was    taught   by Lord shiva   to Goddess Parvathi.

7.Raghu vamsethi vikhyatho  Raja Dasaratha Prabhu,

Babhuva Chakravarthi  cha  saptha dweepadhipo bali.

There was a famous emperor  called   Dasaratha  ,

Who belonged to Raghu clan and who  ruled over the seven islands.

8.Kruthikanthe SAnou yathe  Devagnai jnarpitho hi saa,

Rohini sakatam bhithwaa saniryasyathi   sampratham.

When Sani  from the star  Kruthika the fortune teller  in his wisdom said,

When Sani  has reached the place of Rohini  now.

9.Itham sakata bhedena   surasura bhayankaram,

Dwadasabdasthu   Durbhiksham  bhavishyathi sudharunam.

By change of this position  lead to horrible time to Devas and asuras,

Very sorrow full famine  would occur   for the next twelce years.

10.DEsascha nagara grama bhayabheethaa samanthatha,

Bruvanthi sarva lokaanaam  bhaya medath  samagamam.

The country towns and villages    became   areas with great   fear,

And All the people     told that fear   has come    to stay.

11.Yevamukthastho vakhyam manthribhir saha parthiva,

Vyakulam  thu jagad drushtwa pourajava padhadhikam.

Hearing these    words the  ministers as well as other king like people,

Were filled with worry      along with the worry of the citizens.

12.Papracha prayatho raja  Vasishta pramukhanrupeen,

Samadhanam kimasyasthi  , broova may muni  sathama.

Then the king asked   Vasishta the  king of great people ,

What  can be the solution , please   tell me great  sage.

13.Prajaanam pari rakshayai  sarvajna sarva darsana,

Thchruthwaa  munayasarve prochusyabalam mahath.

For   the sake of protecting the people  , well learned people of different  types

Hearing all that  requested all the sages   in a loud voice  .

14.SAnasicharena  sakate   thasmin  bhinne krutha prajaa,

Ayam yogohya sadhyasthu  sakra brahmadhibhi sthadhaa.

The position of Sani  , divided   the people   greatly,

And  the yogis , sadhus and also Indra and Brhama.

15.SA thu samchinthya  manasaa  sahasaa purusharshabha,

SAmadhayas  dhaur dhivyam  divyayudha   samanvitham.

Thinking about that in the mind suddenly  the vigorous among men,

Put together    the bow and divine arrows as well as divine weapons.

16.Radham aaruhya vegena  gatho nakshjatra  mandalam,

SApada yojanam   laksham  suryasyopari samsthitham.

He got in to the chariot  and with speed   went towards  the place of stars,

And travelled hundred thousand yojanas   over and above the Sun.

17.Rohinim prushtadha  sthapya  Raja Dasaradhasthadhaa,

Radhethu kanchane divye  SArva rathna Vibhooshithe.

Near the Rohini star   that  king Dasaratha parked his chariot,

Which was  made  of gold  and studded with very divine gems.

18.Hema varna hayaiyuktha  Maha Kethu samuchithe,

Deepthamano   Maha Raktha   Kireeta katakadhipi.

Drawn by   golden coloured  horses with greatly bright appearance ,

He  was  shining   in red colour  and was wearing a crown and armlets.

19.Babraja   sa thadakaso  Dwitheeya iva  Bhaskara,

AAkarna poorna chapena   samaharasthram anya yojayeth.

He shined  on the sky like    a second sun,

And in his bow he drew an   vary fatal   arrow.

20.SAmharasthram   saner drushtwa  , surasura bhayankaram,

Kruthikanthe thadha sthithwaa pravisankila    rohinim.

Sani who caused fear to  devas and asuras saw the fatal arrow,

Sitting at the end of Krithiga , moving towards Rohini.

21.Drushtwa Dasaradham chagre   thasthou sabrukuti mukha ,

Hasithwaa  thadbhasyath souriridham  vachanam  abraveeth.

Seeing Dasaratha near by with a frowning face  ,

Laughing at his fear  , the son of Sun God   told.

22.Pourusham thava Rajendra  surasura bhayangaram,

Deva sura manushyascha  Sidha vidhyadhare   raga.

23. Maya avalokitha sarve   dainyama assu vrujanthi they,

Thushtoham thava  Rajendra  thapasaa pourushena cha.

Oh great king, Your manliness  is fearful to devas, Asuras ,

Devas, asuras   ,men   Sidhas , Vidhyadharas , ghosts

Know that all  those   whom I glance would undergo great suffering,

And so king be satisfied   by your manliness  and ability to do penance .

24.Varam broohi pradaasyami  manasa yad abheepsitham,

Dasaratha Uvacha-(Prasadam kuru may soure varadhdhoyadhi   may sthitha.)

Adhya prabruthi may  Rashtra peedaa karyaana kasyachith

Please demand    a boon that is mentally acceptable.

Dasaratha asked (Be pleased  with me son of sun God and grant me  What I state)

And I ask you   to   not to undertake  the suffering of my country.

25.Rohinim bhedayithwa thu na ganthavyam  thwayasane ,

SAritha saagaraa sarve yava chandra  arka  medini.

Please do not go to Rohini    from your present seat,

Of flowing  oceans as long as moon and Sun exist.

26.Dwadsabdasthu  durbiksham   na kadachith bhavishyathi,

Yachitham thu mayaa  soure Nanayafichamyaham  varam.

Let the famine for twelve   years    not happen,

I am begging this and do not want to any boon.

27.Yevam asthvithi  supreetho  varam  pradathu   saswatham,

Keerthiresha   thwadheeyaa cha trilokyae sambavishyaathi.

Please with love give me a boon this will  never happen,

And in all the three   worlds your fame   would spread.

28.Prapya chainam varam  Raja kruthakrutho bhavathadha,

Yevam varam thu samprapya  hrushtaroma   sa parthiva.

By getting the boon he wanted  Raja became felt accomplished,

And having realized   the boon the king became happy.

29.Radhopasthe dhanussadhapya bhoothwaa chaiva kruthanjili,

Dhyathwaa  Saraswathim devim gana nadham Vinayakam.

After keeping   the bow on the chariot   he went in to action of salute,

Meditating   on Saraswathi   and Vinayaka   the Lord of the Ganas.

30.Raja Dasaradha stotram souroridhamadhakaroth

Dasaradha Uvacha:-

Nama Krishnaya neelaaya  sithikanda nibhaya cha,

The king then  prayed to the son of Sun God.

Dasaratha told:-

Salutations to  one who is blue black  and who also has a blue neck.

31.Namo neela mukhabjaya nelothphala nibhaya   cha,

Namo nirmamsa   dehaya deergha smasru  jataya cha.

Salutations  to one who is of blue colour and blue  lotus flower like face,

Salutations to  one with fleshless body  and one having long   beard and tuft

32.Namo Visala nethraya  Suskodara bhayanaka,

Nama parusha nethraya , Sthoolaromne namo nama.

Salutations  to one with broad eyes, to the fearsome one with thin stomach,

Salutations to one with harsh eyes, Salutations to one with long hairs.

33.Namo nithyam kshudarthaya  , athrupthaya  namo nama,

Namo deergaaya sushkaaya  kala damshtraya  they nama.

Salutations who is daily  hungry , salutations to one who is not  satisfied,

Salutations to the tall thin one   , salutations to one with fatal  protruding teeth.

34.Namasthe ghora roopaya , dur nireekshyaya they  nama,

Namo ghoraya roudhraya bheeshanaya karaline.

Salutations to one with terrible form , salutation to one with evil looks,

Salutations   one who is horrible , angry  and fearful.

35.Namasthe sarva bhakshaya , valee mukha namosthu they,

Soorya puthra namosthu  Bhaskarabhaya  dhayine.

Salutations to one who eats all , Salutations to one with wrinkled face,

Salutations to son of Sun God, Salutations to one who gives protection to the Sun.

36.Adhodrushte namosthu, samvatharka namo nama,

Namo mandha gathe  thubhyam nisthrimsaaya namo nama.

Salutations to one who looks down, salutations to one who destroys everything,

Salutations to one who is slow moving and one who is a very cruel.

37.Namo dussahrdehaya , nithya yoga rathaya   cha,

Jnana drushti namosthuthe Kasyapatmaja soonave  .

Salutations to one with a bad  heart  and one who is intent upon Yoga,

Salutations to who has divine sight  and one who is son of son of Kasyapa.

38.Thushto dadhasi   thwam rajyam krudho  harasi  thath kshanaath,

Devasura manushyascha sidha vidhya dharo araga.

Please get  satisfied by my  kingdom which I am giving  and leave out your  anger immediately,

Oh Lord who is cool towards   devas, asuras  ,Sidhas, and vIdhya dharas.

39.Thwayaa avalokithaa sarve  dhainyamasu  vrajanthi they,

Brahma  sakro yamaschaiva  rushaya saptha sagaraa.

Whatever   you  inspect  become depressed   because of you,

Even  Brahma , Indra, Yama    and the sages of the seven seas.

40.Rajyabrashtaa bhavantheeha  thava drushtya avalokitha,

Desascha nagara   grama  dweepascha  girayasthadhaa.

Due to your sight  , countries, towns, villages,

And islands    become  unchaste  and fallen.

41.Saritha sagara cssarve  nasam yaanthi samooladhaa,

Prasadam kuru may  Soure varadhoasi mahabala

All rivers and even oceans   are completely destroyed by you,

Please  become pleased with me   , oh Son  of sun God who is powerful and blesses.

42.Yevamukthasthadhaa  souri graharajo   Mahabala,

Abraveecha   Sanirvakyam   hrushtaroma  sabhaskara.

When these words were told to son of Sun god  who is very strong,

The King of sun dynasty heard   the words of Sani thrilled with rapture.

43.Sanir uvacha:-

Thushtoham thava rajendra stotranena   suvrutha,

Varam  bruhi  pradhasyami manasa yad abheepsitham.

Sani said

I am satisfied and happy   by the   prayer, Oh good one,

You ask for boons   and I would   grant them as you wish.

44.Dasaradha Uvacha:-

Prasanno yadhi  may soure , peedaam kuru na kaschith,

Devasura manushyaanaam  pasu pannaga  paksheenaam

Oh son of sun god  , if you are pleased , do not  ever cause troubles ,

To devas , asuras man, animals   , snakes  and birds.

45.Saneer uvacha:-

Grahanascha  grahaa jneyaa  grahaa peedakara smruthaa,

Adheyopi  varo asmabhi  thushto hanthami  dadahmi they.

Those who know eclipses and planets   if they remember  this  at time of troubles,

If  they remember  me with these words , I would become happy  and give them boons.

46.DEvasura manushyascha  Sidha Vidhyadaro raga,

Pasu pakshi mrugaa  vrukshaa  peedaam munchanthu sarvadhaa.

Devas, asuras, human being   Sidhas, Vidhyadharas,

Animals   birds     and trees   would get rid of their sufferings forever.

47.Thwayaa prokthamidham stotram  padeth iha manava,

Yeka kalam kkachith kalam  peedaam munchanthi   thasya vai.

If a man reads  the prayer   which has been told by you,

Once at the proper   time, I would put an end to his problems.

48.Mruthyu sthana   gatho vaapi   janma vyaya gathopi vaa ,

Padathi sradha yukthaa  suchi snathwaa  samahitha.

Whether I am at place of death  or in their own lagna  or in place of expenditure,

If this is read with devotion     after  bath and getting cleaned.

49.Sami pathrasya  mabhyarcha prathimaam lohajaam mama,

Mashaoudhanam thilaimishram dadhya lohanthu dakshinaam.

If I in the form of an iron idol  is  worshipped by sami leaves   

And if I am offered money and  a mixture  of Black gram and gingelly  ,

After giving Dakshina(fes to the priest) in  the form of a metal.

50. Krishnaam gaam  mahishim   vasthram mamudhishya dwijathaye ,

Madhine thu viseshena   stotranena  poojayewth.

After giving to Brahmins  representing me an active she buffalo ,and cloth  ,

And on that day specially pray   me using this prayer,

51.Poojayithwa japeth  stotram bhoothwaa chaiva kruthanjali,

Thasya  peedaam  nachaivaham  karishyami kadhachana.

 To him who after doing worship , chants the prayer and does  the salute

 All his problems will vanish   and I will not trouble him forever.

52.Gochare , janma lagne  vaa dasaswa anthar dasaasu  cha,

Rakshami sathatham  thasya peedaa swaanya  graham cha.

When in movement of planets  I come to his own house  ,

Or in  my dasa or sub dasa periods  I would always protect,

Him for all troubles  and also   when I am in other houses.

53.Anyaiva prakaarena   peeda muktham  jagad bhaveth,

Sutha  Uvacha:-

Varadwayam thu  samprapya   Raja Dasaradasthadhaa.

The world also would get    rid of other  type  of problems also

Sutha said:-

The king Dasaratha    received   the two boons.

54.Maine krutharthathmaanaam   namaskruthya  SAnaischaram,

Sanenaa cha abhya  anujnathaa  swasthana magaman nrupa.

With mind full of gratitude  , after saluting the SAnaischara ,

And taking leave from Sani  , the king reached back his place.

55.Swasthanam cha thatho   gathwaa   prapthakamo abhavath  thadhaa,

Konasa  sanaischaro mandha Chayaa   hrudaya  nandana.

56.Marthandajasthadhaa  Souri  pathangir  Gruha nayaka,

Brahmanya   kroora karma  cha Neela vasthro anjana dhyuthi.

He went   and reached  his place  and started doing his work.

The lame one , Sanaischara  , the slow one  and the darling son of Chaya ,

The son of Sun God , The son of Sun , one with a spark , the lord of planets,

The  one who is blessed by Brahma , the one who does cruel deeds ,

One who wears   blue silk and one  who is black to look at.

57.Dwadasaithani namani  ya  pate cha  dhine dhine ,

Vishamasthopi  supreethasthasya  jayathe.

One who reads the above twelve names  day by day,

Even if he is in great  trouble would become loved by him.

58.Manda vare suchi snathwa , mithaharo jithendriya,

Thad varna kusumair  yuktham  sarvangam dwija sathama.

59.Poojayithvaa annapanadhyai  stotram ya prayatha padeth,

Puthra kamo labheth puthram  , dhana kamo labheth dhanam

60.Rajakamo labheth rajyam , jayarthi vijayi bhavedh,

Ayushkamo labhedh aayu, srikama sriyam aapnuyath.

61.Yadhyadh ichathi thath sarva BHagwan Bhaktha vathsala ,

Chinthithaani  cha sarvaani  dadhathi na samsaya.

If  one  bathes well on a Saturday, takes  limited food,

Keep his senses under control  and with coloured flowers  ,

Which are suitable  worship all the body parts   by a learned Brahmin,

And after worship and   offering of food  and water ,

And later   reads this prayer , if he wants son, he will get a son,

If he needs money he would get money,

If he wants kingdom he would get kingdom ,

If he wants   victory , he would be blessed with victory,

If he wants long life , he would get long life ,

If he wants wealth he would get wealth ,

And whatever he desires   all that would be given by the God who loves his   devotees,

And without any doubt , all that he thinks would be his.

Ithi Dasaratha raja krutham   sanaischara stotram   sampoornam.

Thus ends the prayer to Sanaischara composed by  king Dasaratha.

Sanaischara Kavacham

Sanaischara  Kavacham

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

Asya  Sri Sanaischara kavacham  Maha manthrasya   Kasyap Rishi  , anushtup Chanda , Sanaischaro devathaa

For the  great armour of Sani , the  sage is Kashyapa , the meter is anushtup   and the god addressed is Sanaischara.

Sam Bheejam, Nam Shakthi , mam keelakam,  Sanaischara krutha  peeda parihararthe  jape   viniyoga.

Sam is the root  , Nam is the power  , Mam is the nail and this being chanted to  get rid of the problems created by Lord Sanaischara.

Sanaischaraya  Angushtabhyam nama

Mandha gathayai tharjaneebhyaam nama

Adokshajaaya  madhmabhyam nama,

Souraye Anamikabhyaam nama

Sushkodaraya  kanishtikabhyam nama

Chayathmajaya Kara thala prushtabhyaam nama.

SAinschara  , salutations with thumb,

The slow moving one  , salutation with pointer finger

The one with eternal knowledge   , salutation  with middle finger

The son of Sun God, salutation with ring finger

The one with a thin stomach  , salutation with little finger

The son of Chaya salutation by the hand.

Sanaischaraya  hrudayaya nama

Mandha gathayai sirase swaha

Adokshajaaya  Shikayai vashat

Souraye Kavachaya hum

Sushkodaraya  nethra thrayaya voushat

Chayathmajaya ashtray a phat

Bhoorbawaswarom ithi dig bhandha

Sanaischara  salutation  by the heart

The slow moving one  salutations to the head

The one with eternal knowledge  salutations by the hair,

The son of Sun God   Salutations to the armour

The one with thin stomach  salutations to the three eyes

The son of Chaya devi   salutations by the arrow

Bhoorbhuvasvarom,  I tie all directions

Dhyanam

Krishnambaradaram   devam dvibujam   grudra samsthitham,

Sarva peedaa haram   dhyayeth graham ganothamam.

I meditate  of the best among planets   who wears black silk,

Who has two hands  , who sits on a vulture  and who removes all sufferings,

Kavacham

1.SAnaischara  siro raksheth  mukham  bhaktharthi bhanjana,

Karno Krishnambaro raksheth   , nethra sarva bhayakara.

Let the slow moving one protect my head , let my face be protected by killer of pains of devotees,

Let my ears be protected by one who wears black silk  and the fearsome one protect my eyes.

2.Krishnango  nasikaam raksheth  , kantam  may  sithi kantaka,

Bhujou may   subhuja pathu , hasthou  neelothphala prabha

Let my nose be protected by the black bodied one  , let my neck be protected by one with black neck,

Let my  hands  be protected by one with good arms , let my foreatms be protected by one who shines like blue sapphire.

3.Pathu may Hrudayam Krishna, , kukshim  sushkodarasthadhaa,

Kantam may  vikata  pathu  , sakthini  ghora roopa vaan.

Let the black one protect my chest , Let my tummy be protected by  one with a thin stomach,

Let my neck be protected  by one without mat, Let my thigh be protected  by the one who looks fierce.

4.Jahununi pathu deergho  may Janghe   may mangalapradha,

Gulphou gunakara  pathu , padhou may  pangu padhaka.

Let the tall one protect my knees and the giver of auspiciousness  protect  my calves,

Let my ankle be protected  by one who does good  and let my feet be protected  by the lame legged one.

5.SArvaapyaapi mamaangaani  pathu Bhaskara  Nandana,

Ya idham, kavacham  divyam sarva peedaharam   nrunaam.

Let all me body parts be protected by son of Sun God,

This divine armour  would always destroy all problems.

6.Padathi sradhayaa   yuktha  sarvaan kaamaan avapnuyath,

Thila dhanya cha  samsthapya  yanthram loha vinirmitham.

7.Krishna  gandakshatai pushpai   archayen moola manthratha,

Krishna vasthrayutham   dadshyaath   srothriyaya  kudumbine

8.Preetha  Sanaischarasthasya   sarva badhaam  vyapohathi,

Dadhyath   sarva samrudhim   cha  puthra pouthradhi   santhathim.

AAyushyam   Deergam aaroghyam   sarvathra   vijayam diseth.

Reading this with attention  would make all desires to come true,

After offering Gingelly   and the Yanthra made of iron,

And worshipping with black rice   and flowers,

Wearing a black cloth  , if done by learned family,

Sanaischara  would be pleased  and remove all type of sufferings,

Give everything in plenty  and also bless  with sons and grand sons,

Make his life  long and healthy   and give him victory everywhere.

Ponthanam's Vasudeva Sthuthi (Tamil)

Vasudeva Sthuthi  (Tamil)

By

Poonatham

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

(Poonthanam was possibly one of the greatest forerunners of Bhakthi cult in Kerala and his greatest work was Jnana Pana, Loosely it can be translated as “Pot of Knowledge”. But “pana” here is not pot but a style of folk poem. This is written in a common man’s language and in a common man’s verse. It preaches the greatness of repetition (singing) of the Holy God’s names. In between Poonthanam wrote about the world he saw and the world he wanted to see. Some people term it as the “Bhagavad Geetha of Malayalam. I am sure most of you would be surprised to know  that Poonthanam  has written four prayers in Tamil. The Tamil used by him  is very archaic   and is  mixed a lot with Malayalam and Sanskrit words.  In this work, he is praying to God Vasudeva  of Vamapura, the temple of Guruvayurappan near his house.)

1.Krishna , Rama Narayana ,Vasudeva  swami,

Padmanabha  , DAmodara , Vasudeva,

Nishkala  , niranjana SRiVasudeva Swami,

Pushkara  Vilochana, Sri Vasudeva.

Oh Krishna , Oh Rama Narayana , Oh God Vasudeva,

Oh Padmanabha , oh Damodara , Oh Vasudeva,

Oh God Vasudeva who is unified and pure ,

Oh Lotus eyed one who is Vasudeva.

2.Dushkrutha vimochana , Sri Vasudeva swami,

Dhikrutha   surari jana  Vasudeva,

Bhaktha jana vathsala , Sri Vasudeva Swami,

Matha jana vismrutha , SriVasudeva

Oh God Vasudeva who frees us from bad deeds,

Oh Vasudeva  who mocked at enemies of Devas,

Oh God Vasudeva , who is darling of his devotees,

Oh Vasudeva  who is forgotten by mad people.

3. Marthya janmam yeduthayo , thalanthene Swami,

Mathsya roopam tharithone , Vasudeva,

Nama roopangalai parthu  magizhndhene swami,

Koorma roopam tharithone Vasudeva

Oh God I have become  tired by taking this human form, alas,

Oh Vasudeva who took the form of a fish,

Oh God by seeing your forms and names, I was filed  with joy,

Oh Vasudeva , who took the form of  a  turtle,

4.SAgarathil naduvile marinthene swami,

Sookarmai udithone  Swami,

Deha moham athinale izhanthene  Swami,

Simha roopam tharithone , Vasudeva.

Oh God, I  went in to the middle of the sea of life ,

Oh Vasudeva   who took the form of a boar,

Oh God I lost the attachment to this body due to that,

Oh Vasudeva   who took the form of a lion.

5.Kamanyaal athma thattuvam  maranthene Swami,

Vamananai piranthone  Vasudeva ,

Marga bhedham   theriyathe  nadanthene Swami,

Bargavanai piranthone  , Vasudeva.

Due to  attachment , I forgot the principle of this soul, Oh God,

Oh Vasudeva   who was born as Lord Vamana,

Oh God I walked without knowing the difference in paths,

Oh  Vasudeva, who was born as  Parasurama.

6.Laghavangal   athil  arinthene Swami,

Raghavanai piranthone, Vasudeva,

Kama rasa valayile   chuzhanthene Swami,

Ramanai piranthone . Vasudeva.

I came to know about  easy tricks then , oh God,

Oh Vasudeva who was   born as Raghava ,

Oh God, I got entangled in the net of tasty passion,

Oh Vasudeva who was born as   Rama.

7.Pathu dikkum aasayale  paranthene Swami,

Budha Vesham tharithone, Vasudeva,

Dushkrithigal  naduvile kalarnthene, Swami,

Kalki veshham tharithone  , Vasudeva.

Oh God, due to desire I flew to all ten directions,,

Oh Vasudeva   who   was born as  Budha,

Oh God I got mixed in doing  bad   acts,

Oh Vasudeva , who was born as Kalki.

8.SAthirangal palavum naan ariyene  Swami,

Serthu kol pathathode , Vasudeva,

Deivamum, naan  athum  ithum ariyene   Swami,

Sarvavum neeye  Jagannatha  Vasudeva.

Oh God, I do not know many of the shastras,

Please attach me with those words, Oh Vasudeva,

Oh God, I do not now about God and this and that,

Oh Vasudeva., Oh Lord of Universe , You are everything.

9.Punya papa  gathikalum ariyene Swami,

Ninnudaya   krupayanye , Vasudeva,

Shudhya, shudhi  vidhikalum   ariyene Swami  ,

Chitha shudhi nalkanam nee, Vasudeva.

Oh God, I do not know the way to  sin and  do blessed deeds,

Except your kindness to me, Oh Vasudeva,

Oh God I do not know the rules  of cleanliness and  purity,

Oh Vasudeva, you should give me purity of mind.

10.Bandham yethu, mokham yethu yendru ariyene Swami,

SAnthatrham  nee krupa   seyyu, Vasudeva,

Karanangal  Kariyangal   ariyene , Swami,

Karanane nee ozhinju Vasudeva.

Oh God I do not  know what is attachment and what  is salvation,

‘Oh Vasudeva , always show kindness  to me,

Oh God, I do not know the causes nor their effects,

Except you who is the cause , Oh Vasudeva.

11.Brahmammennum   Mayayennum ariyene Swami,

Kalmashangal ver pedukka,Vasudeva,

Dikkukalum disaikalum ariyene  , Swami,

Dushkruthangal arukka  ,  nee Vasudeva.

Oh God I do not know which is Brahmam   and which is illusion,

Oh Vasudeva, take out the bad from me

Oh God , I do not know the places nor directions ,

Oh Vasudeva, please  cut off my  bad acts.

12.Kala pasam , karmapasam   mariyene Swami,

Kala megha lobhaneeya , Vasudeva,

THthwam yethu chithamethu ariyene Swami,

Thathwa bodham krupa cheyka  , Vasudeva

I do not know about the rope of death nor the rope of attachment, Oh God,

Oh Vasudeva, who makes the  dark clouds  ashamed,

I do not know the mind nor the philosophy oh God,

Oh Vasudeva , please  make me understand the philosophy.

13.Swarnam yethu, kundala methu ariyene Swami,

Swarna moham ver peduga , Vasudeva,

Rajjuvethu , pannagam yethu ariyene Swami,

Arjunanodu arul cheytha  Vasudeva.

Oh God I do not know which is gold and which is ear stud,

Oh Vasudeva,  remove the attament to Gold from me,

Oh God I do not know which is the rope and which is the snake ,

‘Oh Vasudeva , who  taught  Arjuna.

14.Deha moham ozhichu nin krupayaale  Swami,

Soham yennoru ahambhavam Vasudeva,

Aatamilla anakkavum illa athu poale  Swami,

Soham yennoru ahambhavam , Vasudeva.

Oh God due to your kindness I left off attachment to this body,

Oh Vasudeva but I have a pride  that I am you,

Oh God, like that I do not have movement nor  shaking,

Oh Vasudeva, but I have a pride that  I am you.

15.Kathalayaa  vilakkile  naalam poale  Swami,

Soham yennoru ahambhavam , Vasudeva,

Bhakthi yogam   , mukthi yogam athinale , Swami,

Soham yennoru ahambhavam , Vasudeva,

Oh God, like the flame of lamp not disturbed by wind,

Oh Vasudeva, but I have a pride that  I am you.

Oh God because of Bhakthi yoga and Mukthi yoga,

Oh Vasudeva, but I have a pride that  I am you.

16.Jnanam yennum jneyam yennum ariyathe , Swami,

Soham yennoru ahambhavam , Vasudeva,

Chutham illa   aattmilla   athu poathe swami

Soham yennoru ahambhavam , Vasudeva,

Oh God know not knowing what I know and what  I should know,

Oh Vasudeva, but I have a pride that  I am you.

At that time when ,There is no turning round  and   there is shake  like that , Oh God

Oh Vasudeva, but I have a pride that  I am you.

17.Chaattamilla, vattamilla  athu poale Swami-

Soham yennoru ahambhavam , Vasudeva,

Nesamilla  , vasiyilla athu poathe  , SWami

Soham yennoru ahambhavam , Vasudeva,

There is no jumping and there is no going round  and like that God,

Oh Vasudeva, but I have a pride that  I am you.

At that time when  there is  no love   and there is no adamancy, Oh God,

Oh Vasudeva, but I have a pride that  I am you.

18.SArala chithanandamayathu pothe Swami,

Soham yennoru ahambhavam , Vasudeva,

Chithamilla , chithiyilla   athu pothe swami,

Soham yennoru ahambhavam , Vasudeva,

Oh God when the mind becomes divinely happy,

Oh Vasudeva, but I have a pride that  I am you.

When there is no will and there is no occult power, Oh God,

Oh Vasudeva, but I have a pride that  I am you.

19.SAthamilla sakthiyilla  , athu pothe , Swami,

Soham yennoru ahambhavam , Vasudeva,

THazhchayilla   Veezhchayilla athu pothe   Swami,

Soham yennoru ahambhavam , Vasudeva,

Oh God when there is no sound and no power,

Oh Vasudeva, but I have a pride that  I am you.

Oh God when there is no downgrading or fall ,

Oh Vasudeva, but I have a pride that  I am you.

20.SAthukkalkku thiru ullam theliyenam, Swami,

Vamapuram vilangeedum  Vasudeva,

Dushtathakku  dushta budhi kalayenam Swami,

Vama puram vilangeedum Vasudeva.

You should  give your grace to good people oh God,

Oh Vasudeva   who shines in Vama pura,

You should remove the bad mind of bad people , Oh God,

Oh Vasudeva   who shines in Vama pura,

21.THustiyode  vethiyarum   theliyenam Swami,

Vama puram vilangeedum Vasudeva.

Ishti kondu deva lokam theliyenam Swami,

Vama puram vilangeedum Vasudeva.

With contentment, the mind of Brahmins should become clear,

Oh Vasudeva   who shines in Vama pura,

With yagas the  land of devas   should become clear, Oh God,

Oh Vasudeva   who shines in Vama pura.

22.Vrushti kondu bhoomilokam theliyenam, Swami,

Vama puram vilangeedum Vasudeva.

Nalu thorum thirumeni theliyenam, Swami,

Vama puram vilangeedum Vasudeva.

With rainfall the earth should become clear, Oh God,

Oh Vasudeva   who shines in Vama pura.

As days go by, you should become more clear, Oh God,

Oh Vasudeva   who shines in Vama pura.

23.Nalu thorum keerthanangal nadakkenam Swami,

Vama puram vilangeedum Vasudeva.

Papikalkku papam odungenam Swami,

Vama puram vilangeedum Vasudeva.

Daily there should be songs about you, Oh God,

Oh Vasudeva   who shines in Vama pura.

The sin of the sinners   should get reduced , Oh God,

Oh Vasudeva   who shines in Vama pura.

24.Namam thorum prathipathi urakyenam, Swami,

Vama puram vilangeedum Vasudeva.

SArvavum  nin krupayaale  vara venam, Swami

Vama puram vilangeedum Vasudeva.

The faith in every god’s name should become  firm, Oh God,

Oh Vasudeva   who shines in Vama pura.

Everything should come due to your mercy oh God,

Oh Vasudeva   who shines in Vama pura.

Sri Skanda Sthava

Sri Skanda Sthava

(prayer to Lord Skandha)

By

Sage Vamadeva

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

(“This following is a rare hymn on Lord Skanda in Shiva Purana (Kailasa Samhita,

Chatper 11 titled Vamadeva Brahma Varnanam) created by Sri Vamadeva.-“K.Muralidharan. I have attempted   to translate in to English)

Sri Vama deva Uvacha:-

1.Om nama pranavarthaya pravartha vidhayine,

Pranavakshara  bheejaaya pranavaya namo nama.

Om Salutations to God who is   the meaning  of Pranava(Om),

To the one who   explained   the meaning  of Pranava ,

To the one who is    the root  of the letters  of Pranava ,

Salutations and salutations  to  the Pranava (Om).

2.Vedanthartha swaroopaya , vedanthartha  Vidhayine,

Vedanthartha vidhe nithyam vidhithaaya namo nama.

Salutations  to God who is the meaning of Vedantha (Philosophy),

To the one   who  caused   Vedantha , Who follows  Vedantha ,

Salutation and salutations  to one who daily understands it.

3.Namo Guhaya bhoothaanaam , guhasu nihithaya   cha,

Guhyaya guhya roopaya Guyagama vidhe   nama.

Salutations  to Guha among all  beings ,

Who emerged himself from the cave,

Who has  form which is hidden and secret of secrets,

And who was the one  who explained the hidden Vedas.

4.Anor aniyase thubhyam mahathopi maheeyase,

Nama paravarajnaya Paramathma swaroopine.

Oh smaller than the smallest, greater than  the greatest,

Salutations to him who is known to all  and who has the form of divine soul.

5.Skandaya  , Skanda roopaya mihiraruna thejase ,

Namo mandara malodhyan mukutadhi  bruthe sadaa.

Oh Skanda who has the form of a king , who shines like   the sun at dawn,

Salutations to him who wears  garland of Mandhara  flowers ,

And who  also wears   crown and other ornaments always.

6.Shiva  sishyaya  puthraaya  shivasya   shiva  Dhayine ,

Shiva priyaya  shivayor  Ananda   Nidhaye  Nama,

Disciple of Shiva , son of  Shiva , One who gave  peace  to Lord Shiva,

Darling of Shiva , salutation to the treasure  of joy of Lord shiva.

7.Gangeyaya Namasthubhyam  Karthikeyaya dheemathe,

Uma puthraya mahathe  sarrakanana  Saayine,

Salutations to son of Ganga , the very wise  Karthikeya,

Son of Parvathi , the great one who rested after removing head of Brahma.

8.Shadakshara  sareeraaya shadvidhatha   vidhayine ,

Shadvatheetha  roopaaya  Shan mukhaya  namo nama.

Oh Good whose body is made of six letters, OH God who brought six type of arrangements,

Oh God who was born in six forms , salutations to the six faced one.

9.Dwadasayath nethraya  Dwadsodhyath baahave ,

Dwadasayudha dharaya  dwadasathman namosthuthe.

Oh God with twelve eyes, Oh God  with twelve  great hands,

Oh God who carries twelve weapons , Salutations to the one who has twelve forms.

10.Chathurbujaya shanthaaya , sakthi kukkuda dharine,

Varadaaya vihasthaya  namo asura Vidharine.

Oh God with four hands, Oh God who carries a cock as well   as Shakthi,

Oh God who blesses, Oh learned God  , salutations to the killer of asuras.

11.Gaja valli  kuchaliptha   kumkumangitha vakshase,

Namo gajaan Ananda mahimaa nandithathmane

Oh God who joined with Valli due to an elephant , Oh God with saffron coated chest ,

Salutations     to him  who is the soul of joy  and fame to the elephant.

12,Brahmadhi deva muni  kinnara  geeyamaana,

Gaadhaa visesham  suchi chinthitha  Keerthi dhaamne,

Vrundarakamala  kireeta  vibhooshana   sthrak,

Poojyaabhirama pada  pankaja  they namosthu.

Oh God who is sung about by  Brahma, devas , sages   and Kinnaras,

Oh God who asuras fame to those who greatly think of your stories,

Who decorates himself with  groups  of lotus as his crown,

We salute  your lotus like feet which are worshipful and pretty.

Phala Sruthi

13. Ithi Skanda  sthavam divyam  Vamadeva bhashitham,

Ya paden srunuyaad vaapi  sa yathi paramaam gathim.

If this holy prayer   to Skanda  composed  by Vamadeva ,

Is either read  or heard  then they would attain the ultimate way.

14.Mahapragnascha  karam hyothach  cchiva bhakthi vivardhanam ,

AAyur  aarogya   dhana  kruth  sarva kama pradam  Sadaa.

It would lead to great wisdom , devotion to Lord Shiva,

Long healthy life and wealth and fulfill all your desires.

Pillayar Perumai (Tamil)

Pillayar  Perumai

(Greatness of Lord Ganesa)

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

   (Pillai in tamil can also mean a son or our lad. Lord Ganesa to all those who speak tamil is Pillayar . Wherever you go in Tamil Nadu , you will see him  in every nook and corner, This is an awesome  Bhajan extolling him)

1.Pillayar, pillayar , perumai vaintha pillayar ,

Pillayar, pillayar  , perumai vaintha pillayar

Ganesa, Ganesa , Ganesa who  is endowed with greatness,

Ganesa, Ganesa , Ganesa who  is  endowed with greatness.

2.AAthangarai  orathile, arasa marathu nizhalile

Veethirukkum pillayar , vinaikal theerkkum pillayar.

Ganesa who  sits in the shade  of Banyan tree

By the  side of the banks of the river, The Ganesa  who solves problems.

3.Aanai mukham kondavar , iynthu karam udayavar ,

Panai vayiru padaithavar , bhakthar  thuyar  thudaippavr.

He has elephant like face, he has five hands,

He has a pot like paunch, he solves problems of his devotees.

4.AAru mukha  velavanin  annan aana pillayar ,

Nerum thunpam yavayume  theerthu vaikkum pillayar

The Ganesa  who is the elder brother of six faced  Subramanya,

The Ganesa  who destroys  all  the sorrows that occur.

5.Manjalile cheyyinum, manninaale cheyyinum,

Iynthezhuthu  mandirathai nenjil kattum pillaya.

Whether you make him in turmeric powder  or mud,

He is Ganesa who  shows the five lettered chant (namasivaya) in his heart.

6.SAnkaranin pudalvanam  , chathirathin mudalvanam,

Sakalathirkkum  moolanaam , sakthi vaintha  pillayar

The very powerful Ganesa   is the son of Lord Shiva ,

The first in Sastras   and the cause  for  everything.

7.Vanni marathin nizhalile varangal tharum pillayar,

Vilva marathu  nizhalile  vinaikal theerkkum pillayar.

The Ganesa who gives boons in the shade of  Vahni(prosopsis)  tree,

The Ganesa who solves our problems in the shade  of Bilwa tree

8. Neli marathu nizhalile nindru irukkum pillayar,

Bhakthi tharum pillayar , mukthi tharum pillayar

The  Ganesa who stands in the shade of Gooseberry tree ,

The Ganesa who gives devotion, The Ganesa who grants salvation.

9.Aadarikkum pillayar  , Aanaimukha pillayar,

Arulai  alli tharum aandavanaam pillayar.

The Ganesa who supports, The Ganesa with an elephant face ,

The God Ganesa  who gives  loads  of grace .

10.Aval pori  kadalayum , arisiyum kozhukattayum,

Kavalayindri  thinnuvaar , kannai moodi thoonguvaar.

Without any worry , he would eat beaten rice, puffed rice,

Bengal  gram   and rice Kozhukattai (Modhaka)   and sleep closing his eyes.

11.Kali yugathin vindhayai  kana vendi anu dinamum,

Yeliyin meethu yeriye  ishtam pola chuthuvaar.

Daily for seeing   the peculiar happenings of Kali age ,

He would climb on a mouse   and roam as he pleases.

Poonthanam's Neeyathre Govinda (malayalam)

Neeyathre Govinda

By

Poonthanam

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

(Poonthanam was possibly one of the greatest forerunners of Bhakthi cult in Kerala and his greatest work was Jnana Pana, Loosely it can be translated as “Pot of Knowledge”. But “pana” here is not pot but a style of folk poem. This is written in a common man’s language and in a common man’s verse. It preaches the greatness of repetition (singing) of the Holy God’s names. In between Poonthanam wrote about the world he saw and the world he wanted to see. Some people term it as the “Bhagavad Geetha of Malayalam Here is a philosophical devotional song trying to see   that Lord Krishna is everything.)

1.Lokamokkeyum nirmichathum bhavan,

Lokanayakanakunnathum Bhavan.

You are the one who created the world, Sir,

You   also the Lord of the world , Sir,

2.Loka rakshanam cheyyunnthum bhavan ,

Loka samhariyukunnathum Bhavan,

You are the one  who protects the world , Sir,

You are the one  who becomes the destroyer  of the world, Sir.

3.Pandu pandulla naadum nagaravum,

Kondu poi marikkunnathum Bhavan

You are the one who  took and put down,

The cities and countries which existed long back, Sir.

4.Malika meethe mevunna mannande,

Tholil marappu  kethunnathum Bhavan.

You are the one who made  the king,

Who used to live in palaces carry a burden  on his shoulders, Sir,

5.Jnan yennulloru bhavam nadappichu ,

Manushane valaykkunnathum Bhavan,

You are  the one who drags people on troubles,

By creating the feeling of “Me”, in them , Sir.

6.Jnana margathe dhanavum cheythudan,

Aanandathe  varuthunnathum Bhavan.

You are the one who taught us the path of Jnana,

And  made happiness and joy come in our life, Sir.

7.Randu nalu dhinam kondu oruthane,

Thandil yethi nadathunnathum , Bhavan.

You are the one who within three four days,

Makes an ordinary  man travel in a palanquin, Sir.

8.Kalla punchiri thoogunna  naariye,

Valli katti valaykunnathum Bhavan.

You are  the one who puts in to trouble and drags,

The woman sporting   a false smile, Sir.

9.Ulla kaalam janagalkku athingane ,

Ullil  aadhi valarthunnathum,  Bhavan.

You are the one who  makes worries grow inside .

A  man as  long as   he lives , Sir.

10.Anjana kannil artham vilayunna  ,

Manju bhashini mare kondangine,

11.Sishtanmaarkkum Prabhukkalkkum,

Nashta daridryam akkunnathum , Bhavan.

Making   use   of the pretty  damsels ,

Who showed meaningful attraction by their  black eyes,

You are the one  who made gentlemen and Lords ,

In to  very poor state  , Sir.

12.Ishta dhanathe cheyyunnathum , Bhavan,

Vrushti pushti valarthunnasthum Bhavan.

You are the one who willingly gives charity, Sir,

You are  the one who increases rain and prosperity, Sir,

13.Snehiyayathum  , snehangal aayathum,

Drohiyayathum, drohangal aayathum,

14.Garviyayathum  garvangal  aayathum,

SArvamayathum , Neeyathre  Govinda.

You are one who is a friend , the friendship,

The one who troubles, and the trouble itself,

One who is proud and  pride  itself,

And That which is everything, Sir.

Poonthanam'sMoola Thathwam (Malayalam)

Moola Thathwam (basic principle)

By

Poonthanam

Translated  by

P.R.Ramachander

(Poonthanam is is one of the greatest Bhakthi poets  of Kerala, In this poem , which is philosophical , he tries to trace  the cause of Sorrow)

1.Dukhamodukkunna thamburane , Krishna,

Trukkazhal jnan kumibudunnen,=.

Oh Lord Krishna, Who removes sorrow ,

I salute your divine feet.

2.Dukham yeduthathinnu , yenthe moolam-Krishna,

Dukham yeduthathu janmam  moolam.

What is basic reason of sorrow-Krishna,

This birth is  the basic reason of this sorrow.

3.Janmameduthathinnu   yenthe moolam-Krishna,

Janmam   yeduthathu  karmam moolam

What is the basic reason of this birth-Krishna,

Karma is the  basic reason of this birth.

4.Karmam yeduthunnathu=innu yenthe moolam-Krishna,

Karmam yeduthathu  Ragam moolam.

What is the basic reason of this Karma-Krishna,

Attachment is the basic cause  of  Karma.

6.Ragam yeduthathinnu yenthe moolam-Krishna,

Ragam yeduthathu maanam moolam.

What is the basic reason for attachment-Krishna,

Pride  is the  basic cause  of attachment.

7.Manam yeduthathinnu yenthe moolam-Krishna,

THanne ninayaiga  manam moolam.

What is the basic reason for pride-Krishna,

Not thinking about  self   is the basic cause of pride.

8.,THanne ninayayvathinnenthe moolam-Krishna,

Ajnanmaam  avivekam  moolam.

What is the basic cause  of not thinking about oneself –Krishna,

It is due to the thoughtlessness causing ignorance .

9.Jnanam undavathinnu yenthu cheivu-Krishna,

Jnanam undavathu Bhakthi konde

What we  should we do to become wise-Krishna,

Wisdom only comes   through devotion.

10.Bhakthiyundavathinnu yenthu cheyvoo –Krishna,

Bhakthiyundavu  virakthi konde.

What we should do get devotion-Krishna,

Devotion comes   due to detachment.

11. Sakthi poyeeduvaan yenthu cheivu-Krishna,

Chithathil  nalloru shudhi konde.

How do we  remove attachment-Krishna,

It  can be achieved only due to purity of mind.

12.Chitha shudhikku jnan yenthu cheyvu-Krishna,

Nalla vazhikkulla   sradha cheivu.

What should I do get purity of mind –Krishna,

It  can only be got by deep attention to the good path.

13.Sradhayundavathginnu  yenthu cheyvu Krishna,

Punya kadhakale keetu kolvu.

What should we do to get deep attention-Kridhna,

It can be got by hearing divine stories.

14.Salkadha kelpathinnu yenthu cheivu-Krishna,

Sajjana sangathi cheythu kolvu.

What should I do to hear divine stories-Krishna,

It can be got by constant contact with holy people.

15.Sajjana sangathikku yenthu cheyvu –Krishna,

Vama pureswarane  seva cheyvu.

What should I do cultivate holy people-Krishna,

You do service to the God of Vamapura(Lord Krishna)

16.Vama gehadhipa, Vasudeva, Krishna,

Balagopalaka palaya maam.

Oh Lord  of Vamapura , Oh Vasudeva, Oh Krishna,

Oh child cowherd, Please  take  care of me.

17.Krishana hare jaya, Krishna hare jaya ,

Krishna Hare  Jaya, Krishna hare  Jaya.

Victory to Lord Vishnu and Krishna,

Victory to Lord Vishnu and Krishna,

Victory to Lord Vishnu and Krishna,

Victory to Lord Vishnu and Krishna,

Poonthanam's Maya Varnanam(tamil)

Maya Varnanam(tamil)

(Description of illusion)

By

Poonthanam

Translated  by

P.R.Ramachander

(Poonthanam was possibly one of the greatest forerunners of Bhakthi cult in Kerala and his greatest work was Jnana Pana, Loosely it can be translated as “Pot of Knowledge”. But “pana” here is not pot but a style of folk poem. This is written in a common man’s language and in a common man’s verse. It preaches the greatness of repetition (singing) of the Holy God’s names. In between Poonthanam wrote about the world he saw and the world he wanted to see. Some people term it as the “Bhagavad Geetha of Malayalam. I am sure most of you would be surprised to know  that Poonthanam  has written four prayers in Tamil. The Tamil used by him  is very archaic   and is  mixed a lot with Malayalam and Sanskrit words.  In this work, he is trying to define what is Maya(illusion).)

1.Srushtikkum munpil  sachidanandamakiya  Brahmam yekam,

Intha  drusya prapancham nasichaal  Brhamam  Yekam.

Before creation  there was only one Brahmam  which was divinely joyous,

If the world we   see is completely destroyed   then also there would be only one Brahmam.

2.Vyashti samashti vidham  aayirunthalum  Brahmam Yekam,

Koti Vedantha   Sasthram Vicharichalum  vanthalum  Brahmam yekam.

Though beings are individual and are in Groups, there is only one Brahmam,

Even though we think of billions of Vedantha philosophy,  there is only one Brahmam.

3.Moola prakruthikku appalum, yippalum Brahmam yekam,

Maya muggunam   illathe  nirgunamagiya  Brahmam yekam,

 Before and after   the basic form of creation, there  is only one Brahmam,

Without the three  illusory characters, without any properties , there is only one Brahmam.

4.Kala thyathukku appothum ippothum  Brahmam yekam,

Maya kattina karanam poale irunthalum  Brahmam yekam.

Before and after  the past , present and future, There is only one Brahmam,

Even if it appears to be cause as shown by illusion , There is only one Brahmam.

5.Antha para brahma vasthu , padathil uditha mayai,

THuchamaanalum vasthavam poale maymkanantha  mayai

That thing called  divine Brahmam is   the illusion born at the feet,

And even if it is insignificant , it is an illusion  which will make you feel that  it is true.

6.THanakenthapadi venam, anthapadi cheyyum antha mayai ,

Jagadheswarananalum  kadakka  koodatha kaan antha mayai.

That illusion  acts  in a manner   that  it likes to act ,

And please know, that even god of universe  cannot cross that illusion.

7.SAthum asathum  sadaa sathumalla kaan antha  mayai,

Veda sastrangalum nirvachaneeyam   kaan  antha Mayai.

Please know  that illusion is neither true nor false and definitely not always true,

Please know   that even Vedas   and Sastras cannot define that  illusion.

8.Shudha spahatika  niram  aayirundhalum antha mayai,

Onnum thionnayju  irundu andhakaramai moodum kaan antha Mayai .

If  something is of the colour of pure crystal, that illusion,

Would  cover it with darkness and make it invisible . please know this.

9.Maya gunam thannai  cholla thulayathu , Rama, Rama,

Athil  ascharyathai naan aarodu cholluven Rama, Rama.

Oh Rama Oh Rama , it is difficult to tell about  Illusion,

Oh Rama , Rama, to whom shall I tell the wonders about it.

10,Ooyatha  janam ozhinthu , thulainthathe  , Rama, Rama,

Sruthi , yukthi, anubhava mukthi  kidacuthu Rama, Rama

Oh Rama, Rama, this endless  birth cycle has come to an end,

Oh Rama, Rama, I got Vedas , easy method  and experienced salvation.

11.Intha  mannil podi poale , ennam thulayaa Rama, Rama ,

Intha  kana chilam poale kandu kolla chonnar yengal desikan.

Oh Rama , Rama,  This is innumerable like the dust of the mud,

But my teacher told me to find it out like this anklet.

12.Karanmillathe  kariyam poi  vanthar  yengal desikangal,

Appol sachidananthane , seshikkum   yennar yengal desikar.

Like an act without cause I went several times  to our Guru,

And then our Guru told us  that only the true divine joy would be left out remaining.