Hello Namasthe Welcome Fam...
Your Shrestha is Blogging after a long time. Did you miss me? I missed you too...
So today's blog post originates with the Aadi Maasam that is happening now. This is one of my favorite months as Tambittu sweet is made on every friday to celebrate this season.
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Aadi Masam, also known as Ashadi/ Aashada, holds immense significance in the Tamil lunar calendar. It marks the beginning of Dakshinayanam and is considered highly auspicious for religious activities in temples. However, initiating new ventures, marriages, and property purchases are avoided during this time.
The onset of Aadi Masam coincides with the sun's transition into the Cancer Zodiac, and it is a festival honoring water, the source of life and sustenance. Rivers and lakes throughout Tamil Nadu are revered with special prayers and offerings, seeking bountiful yields during and after the monsoons.
Certain auspicious days in Aadi Masam are celebrated with prasadam prepared at home and a lavish lunch served on banana leaves. Traditionally, these days, Aadi Chevvai (Tuesday) and Aadi Velli (Friday), adhere to the Brahmin custom of abstaining from onion and garlic consumption.
Despite the month's inauspicious connotations for new beginnings, Aadi Masam is celebrated like a grand festival. Temple visits, mantra chanting, and bhajans are encouraged to foster positivity and peace in homes and communities. The month serves as a period of deep devotion and spiritual reflection.
As per the scriptural accounts and the beliefs in the Vaishnavite tradition, the story of Periyalwar of Srivilliputhur is indeed as described. Periyalwar's devotion to Lord Vishnu and his eventual blessings with the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi as his daughter Andal are revered in Hindu mythology.
The story highlights the deep devotion of Periyalwar towards Lord Vishnu, his earnest prayers for a child, and how the divine grace answered his prayers in the form of Goddess Lakshmi, who incarnated as his daughter Andal. Andal, as an embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi, showed immense love and devotion to Lord Ranganatha, which is depicted in her poems and hymns composed in praise of the Lord.
In accordance with the biographical account of Andal, her resolve to wed Lord Ranganatha grew more resolute as she matured. In a sophisticated display of devotion, she initiated a unique ritual of adoration. Prior to presenting floral garlands to the deity, she would first wear them herself, gazing into the mirror to ascertain their aesthetic appeal. Only once she was thoroughly satisfied with the elegance of the garland on her own person, would she offer it to the divine.
One fateful day, her father observed this act and reproached her, urging her not to repeat such behavior. Undeterred, Andal prepared a fresh garland for the Lord. Remarkably, that very night, Vishnucitta received a celestial vision, wherein the Lord expressed profound acceptance and approval of Andal's heartfelt offerings. From that moment onward, she came to be hailed as "Andal," the maiden who "ruled" the heart of the Lord.
The incident of the garland holds exceptional significance in the narrative, as it marks the point where Periyalwar discovered Andal's divine connection and her role as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Subsequently, he wholeheartedly embraced her devotion and contributions to the veneration of Lord Ranganatha, acknowledging that Andal's garland was truly the most cherished offering to the deity.
Upon reaching the marriageable age of 15, Andal's father insisted on her marrying, but she resolutely stated her intention to wed only Sri Ranganatha. This declaration purportedly prompted another divine vision for Vishnucitta, wherein the Lord instructed him to send Andal to the Sri Ranganatha Temple. Simultaneously, the temple priests also received a vision from the Lord, instructing them to prepare for the sacred union. As the tale goes, upon arriving at the Sri Ranganatha Temple, Andal united in marriage with the Lord.
During her lifetime, Andal composed two poetic works in Tamil, despite her youthful age, exhibiting a remarkable level of literary and religious maturity. The first, known as Andal Thiruppavai, comprises thirty verses wherein she envisions herself as a cowherd girl yearning to serve Lord Krishna. The second compilation, Nacciyar Tirumoli, contains 143 verses and fervently expresses her passionate longing for Lord Vishnu.
The tale of Periyalwar and Andal's divine devotion stands as an inspirational testament to devotees, emphasizing the paramount importance of unwavering and pure devotion to the divine. Furthermore, it highlights the profound significance of the motherly and devotional aspect of the Goddess within Hindu tradition.
In my quest for Godhastakam online, I was astounded to discover that it had not been uploaded by anyone in this vast realm of billions of internet users. My amazement at this absence led me to share the finding with my mother, who encouraged me to take matters into my own hands. With a heart full of humility and devotion, I now endeavor to write and upload this sacred composition. May my humble attempt contribute to the dissemination of this cherished prayer.
Godastakam
Namastesthu Godadevi Vishnuchitta Suprarthini
Tulsivanodbhave Devi Godadevi Namostuthe
Tulsivanasanjathe Krishnabhakthesamuchithe
Pusphahare Dharedevi Godadevi Namostuthe
Gopikanya Sahullase Acharyam Bhakthibhajini
Villiputtur Nivasasthe Godadevi Namostuthe
Sriranghmangala Karedevi Rangannatha Hridayasthithe
Shudikudutha Priye Devi Godadevi Namostuthe
Andal Shreenaama Sambhuthe Tulsi Vanaviharini
Puhpasangraha Kainkarye Godadevi Namostuthe
Dhanurmaase Ruthanisthe Shreevarghemarghadarshini
Rangamannarpriye Devi Godadevi Namostuthe
Bhoodevivamshasambhuthe Bhakthabhistam Pradhayini
Ramanuja Sodharidevi Godadevi Namostuthe
Aadhaytma Aashrithedevi Asthalakshmi Swaroopini
Ahankara Varjithedevi Godadevi Namostuthe
Nityasmithe Nityashudde Shreevarghe Marghdharshini
Rangamannar Priyedevi Godadevi Namostuthe
Godastakavidhampunyam Paterbhakthi Samanitha
Sarvabhishtam Phalam Sidhhim Mokshasampadamuchyathe
Being tech savvy I also made ChatGPT spiritual by asking it to generate meaning for each line, this is the result:
Sure! Here's the meaning of each line in English:
1. Namastesthu Godhadevi Vishnuchittasuprarthini: Salutations to Goddess Godhadevi, who is always devoted to Lord Vishnu and fulfills the desires of her devotees.
2. Tulsivanodbhave devi Godhadevi Namostuthe: O Goddess Godhadevi, who appeared from the Tulsivan (Tulsi plant), I bow to you.
3. Tulsivanasanjathe Krishnabhakthesamuchithe: You were born in the Tulsivan and are fully dedicated to Lord Krishna and His devotees.
4. Pusphahare Dharedevi Godhadevi Namostuthe: O Goddess Godhadevi, who holds a garland of flowers, I offer my salutations to you.
5. Gopikanya Sahullase Acharyam Bhakthibhajini: You are delighted in the company of the Gopis, and you bestow devotion upon your devotees like a motherly teacher.
6. Villiputtur Nivasasthe Godhadevi Namostuthe: You reside in Villiputtur (a place associated with the poet-saint Periyalvar), I bow to you.
7. Sriranghmangala karedevi Rangannatha hridayasthithe: O Goddess Godhadevi, who brings prosperity to Srirangam, and who resides in the heart of Lord Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu).
8. Shudikudutha Priye devi Godhadevi Namostuthe: Beloved Goddess Godhadevi, who showers purity and happiness, I offer my salutations to you.
9. Andal Shreenaama sambhuthe Tulsi vanaviharini: You are known as Andal and appeared from the Tulsivan, always delighting in its presence.
10. Puhpasangraha Kainkarye Godhadevi Namostuthe: O Goddess Godhadevi, who accepts the service of collecting flowers for worship, I bow to you.
11. Dhanurmaase Ruthanishthe Gopikanyasnehakankshini: During the month of Dhanur (Margashira), you long for the affection of the Gopis (cowherd girls).
12. Shree Krishnapriya Kare devi Godhadevi Namostuthe: O Goddess Godhadevi, who is dear to Lord Krishna, I offer my salutations to you.
13. Bhoodevivamshasambhuthe bhakthabhistam pradhayini: You are born in the lineage of Bhudevi (Mother Earth) and fulfill the desires of your devotees.
14. Ramanuja Sodharidevi Godhadevi Namostuthe: O Goddess Godhadevi, who is the sister of Ramanuja (the renowned philosopher and theologian), I bow to you.
15. Aadhaytma aashrithedevi asthalakshmi swaroopini: You are the embodiment of Ashta Lakshmi (the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi) and the refuge for spiritual seekers.
16. Ahankara varjithedevi Godhadevi Namostuthe: You are free from pride and ego, O Goddess Godhadevi, I offer my salutations to you.
17. Nityasmithe nityashudde shreevarghe Marghdharshini: You always have a pure and eternal smile, guiding us on the path of Shreevarga (divine realms).
18. Rangamannar Priyedevi Godhadevi Namostuthe: Beloved Goddess Godhadevi, who is dear to Lord Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu), I bow to you.
19. Godhastakavidhampunyam Patedbhakthi samanitha: Whoever recites these eight verses of Godhadevi with devotion,
20. Sarvabhistam phalam sidhhim mokshasampadamuchyathe: They will attain all their desires fulfilled and the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha).
I made ChatGPT a Kannadiga by asking it to translate this in Kannada, results:
ನಮಸ್ತೇಸ್ತು ಗೋದಾದೇವಿ ವಿಷ್ಣುಚಿತ್ತಸುಪರ್ವರ್ತಿನೀ
ತುಲ್ಸೀವನೋದ್ಭವೇ ದೇವಿ ಗೋದಾದೇವಿ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
ತುಲ್ಸೀವನಸಂಜಾತೇ ಕೃಷ್ಣಭಕ್ತೇಸಮುಚ್ಚಿತೇ
ಪುಷ್ಪಹಾರೇ ಧರೇದೇವಿ ಗೋದಾದೇವಿ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
ಗೋಪಿಕನ್ಯಾ ಸಹುಲ್ಲಸೇ ಆಚಾರ್ಯಂ ಭಕ್ತಿಭಾಜಿನೀ
ವಿಲ್ಲೀಪುತ್ತೂರ್ ನಿವಾಸಸ್ಥೇ ಗೋದಾದೇವಿ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
ಶ್ರೀರಂಗಮಂಗಲಕರೇ ದೇವಿ ರಂಗನ್ನಾಥಹೃದಯಸ್ಥಿತೇ
ಶುದಿಕುದುತ್ತ ಪ್ರಿಯೇ ದೇವಿ ಗೋದಾದೇವಿ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
ಅಂದಾಲ್ ಶ್ರೀನಾಮ ಸಂಭೂತೇ ತುಲ್ಸೀವನವಿಹಾರಿಣೀ
ಪುಷ್ಪಸಂಗ್ರಹ ಕೈಂಕರ್ಯೇ ಗೋದಾದೇವಿ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
ಧನುರ್ಮಾಸೇ ಋತನಿಷ್ಠೇ ಗೋಪಿಕನ್ಯಾಸ್ನೇಹಕಾಂಕ್ಷಿಣೀ
ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣಪ್ರಿಯಕರೇ ದೇವಿ ಗೋದಾದೇವಿ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
ಭೂದೇವಿವಂಶಸಂಭೂತೇ ಭಕ್ತಾಭಿಸ್ತಂ ಪ್ರದಾಯಿನೀ
ರಾಮಾನುಜ ಸೋಧರಿದೇವಿ ಗೋದಾದೇವಿ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಾಶ್ರಿತೇದೇವಿ ಅಸ್ಥಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ಸ್ವರೂಪಿಣೀ
ಅಹಂಕಾರವರ್ಜಿತೇದೇವಿ ಗೋದಾದೇವಿ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
ನಿತ್ಯಸ್ಮಿತೇ ನಿತ್ಯಶುದ್ಧೇ ಶ್ರೀವರ್ಗೇ ಮರ್ಗಧರ್ಷಿಣೀ
ರಂಗಮನ್ನಾರ ಪ್ರಿಯೇ ದೇವಿ ಗೋದಾದೇವಿ ನಮೋಸ್ತುತೇ
ಗೋದಾಷ್ಠಕವಿಧಂ ಪುಣ್ಯಂ ಪಠೇದ್ಭಕ್ತಿ ಸಮಾನಿತಃ
ಸರ್ವಾಭಿಷ್ಟಂ ಫಲಂ ಸಿದ್ಧಿಂ ಮೋಕ್ಷಸಂಪದಮುಚ್ಯತೇ
I hope you enjoyed the blog. Will be back with more. Sarvamshreekrishnarpanamasthu.
Shrestha S Bharadwaj
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