THIRUNAVAI
Thirunavai is a kshetra on the banks of Bharathapuzhay
(Pratheechi). Naavam refers to a boat. The Lord stands here as a boat to take
us through the river of samsara. The Lord incarnated as Parashurama to destroy
the wicked kshatriyas and after the completion of his work did penance at the
Mahendra mountains. He toured through Kerala. The rishis at the banks of the
river Pratheechi worshipped him and He preferred to stay there. It was then
that Kamala, the consort of the Lord Narayana prayed to him to accept her as
his wife in this avathara. But Parasurama said “ You were born of the Bhargava
gothra previously. Now I have been born in the same gothra. So we cannot marry
in this avathara as we both belong to the same gothra”. The Lordess said “ I
was born of the bhargava class in someother incarnation, but Iam your consort
at alltimes. You cannot show this reason, if you do so I will perform severe
penance.” Saying so she began her penance at the banks of kamalalayam.
Saraswathi and Parvathi served her during her penance. Once came an aged
brahmana who questioned her on her penance. Knowing her wish to marry
Parasurama he began speaking thus “ Alas ! What a choice. Parasurama of all, He
is one who holds the parasu in his hand.He killed 21 generations of kings and
is always found angry. Better choose a calm and beautiful groom for yourself.”
An angry Kamala replied “ How dare you speak such words at Vishnu. He is
patience personified. He is now born of the same Brugu class who struck at his
chest with his leg. Doesnt this show His good traits” She atonce prepared to
leave when the aged Brahmin disappeared atonce and showed His form as Narayana.
“ It is not apt for me to marry you as Parasurama but I shall wed you in my
original form as Narayana”. Thus the Lord married Kamala and stands in the
kshetra of Thirunavai blessing us todate.
No comments:
Post a Comment