Srinivasa

 

Malayappa Swamy

 

Tiruppavai

 13-01-26 | Utsav , Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai

Krishna accepts the gopikas’ request for eternal servitude. Everyone was happy.

Suddenly, Andal went close to Krishna and started prostrating repeatedly. Krishna held her by her shoulders and gently lifted her up.
“What is this, child? I have already given all that you desired. Is there something more you want? Don’t worry, reveal whatever you have in mind. ”

Andal was in tears. She was overwhelmed.

Slowly, she begins to speak: “We have come early in the morning, sung your glories and paid obeisance to you. There is one invaluable request that we wish to put forward at your lotus feet. Please listen.

“You were born as a cowherd amongst us. It is only natural that you should command and happily accept our services at any time…”

Krishna: “ I have already assured all that. But why the tears?”

“O’ Govinda! We agree that you’ve blessed us with everything, to the last detail. We are elated. Overjoyed. But then, the afterthought was devastating. You will go back to your mansion, and we’ll have to go back home.

“How do we suffer your separation? How do we spend our life? Even if it is heaven, the life of luxury is perishable. Fear grips us. The joy of being with you wanes. So I fell at your feet, seeking solace.”

Krishna: “Charming girl! …then, what more do you seek?”

“This sacred vow will be complete now. But we want the assurance that it will continue in all our successive births. Every day of every life, we want you to be amongst us. Not even a second of separation. We seek daily service to you — only you.”

Krishna: “It is customary for devotees to ask for servitude without rebirth — but you seem to have different ideas. Your nature is noble. Your Bhakti is endearing. Let everything happen according to your wish. ”

Andal: “We cannot trust that, Krishna! The cosmic power of illusion can hide you from us, and show itself as most desirable. Slowly it will lead us away from you!

“So we ask: Let our mind seek nothing else but you. Let it remain pure. Yes, the mind cannot remain without desires. If our desires go astray - please direct it towards you."

Krishna smiles: "Smart girl! Forever it'll be! Be at peace!

Govinda

 

Govinda

Krishna has a special name, Govinda. It means He's super compassionate and loving, especially to cows, but really to everyone (While Go literally means a cow, it represents life itself (jeevatma)). Think of Him like the kindest one who looks after all the souls, like the spark inside you and me.   He cares for every single creature, no matter how small.   

When we love Govinda back – like being His best friend and trusting Him completely (this loving friendship is called bhakti), He makes sure they feel safe and brings them so much happiness. Loving Govinda fills with a deep, warm, happy feeling inside, like the best kind of sunshine that doesn't go away. It's the ultimate joy (called Ananda).

Did you notice the hallmark on His forehead just as it is for Tirupati Srinivasa - also Govinda?

Padmavasini

 

Nityanapayini

 

Nityanapayini

Always the constant companion of Sri Vishnu.  Drawn on the occasion of Garuda Panchami

Tulasi Priyam

 

Govinda

 

Srinivasa Utsav

 

Govinda

 

Govinda

 

Govinda Pattabhishekam

 

Sri Venkateshwara

 

Govinda

 

Vatsalya

 

Govinda Pattabhishekam

 

Gopika Geetam - Tiruppavai 14

 Andal creates an environment to help understand the significance of the verse. The body is represented by the tree, which in turn is sustained by the heart, suggested by the lotus pond.  

The blossoming of the lotus, is the realisation of the Paramathma within. When the realisation is complete, the soul begins to sing and celebrate Krishna unabashedly.
 
Andal encourages a learned girl to sing the glory of the lotus-eyed, Chaturbhuja Krishna holding the conch and discus.

Srinivasa

 

Govinda