Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Melpatthur Narayana Bhattathri, the famed poet-saint of Kerala, who wrote the blessed Narayaneeyam, sat once chatting with his master and lord, Bhagavaan Krishna of Guruvaayoor (Yes, Guruvayoorappan is said to have constantly been at Bhattathri’s side, playing and dancing with him, as he penned down his verses. The conversation went somewhat in this manner –

Bhattathri – Bhagavan, which is the offering you like the most?

Shri Krishna – Oh… I relish Nei Paayasam (pudding made of ghee and jiggery) very much.

Bhattathri – Oh Lord. What if I am unable to offer you that?

Shri Krishna – Not a problem, you can make do with freshly churned butter…

Bhattathri – What if I cannot afford even that?

Shri Krishna – Then it would be fine if you offer me sweet milk.

Bhattathri – What if I cannot afford even that?

Shri Krishna – Oh, don’t worry, just offer me some water or a sprig of Tulsi.

Teary-eyed, the noble Bhattathri said that he couldn’t even afford these two offerings..

Smiling wide, Shri Krishna said, “Why worry when I am there?. Even if you cannot offer me anything, the very thought of your helplessness and the tears that stream from your eyes are the highest offerings for me. I value the devout tears you shed above anything else…”

Bhattathri was left speechless and the tears continued to stream continuously as he clasped the Lord’s lotus feet.
So, let us then not worry at the scarcity these times have bought…Let our devotion be plentiful.
Jai Shree Krishna!!!

PS – As we all battle the Coronavirus, here is a sloka from Narayaneeyam that praises Shree Krishna as the healer of all diseases.

अस्मिन् परात्मन् ननु पाद्मकल्पे
त्वमित्थमुत्थापितपद्मयोनि: ।
अनन्तभूमा मम रोगराशिं
निरुन्धि वातालयवास विष्णो ॥

Asmin paraathman nanu paadmakalpe
Thvamithamutthaapitha padmayonihi I
Anantha bhoomaa mama roga raashim,
Nirundhi vaathaalaya vaasa vishno.

Meaning - Oh Lord Guruvayur, who is the form of divine Brahman, You who thus made Lord Brahma emerge from the lotus, and you who has the undivided greatness. Please cure all my diseases.

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