RITUALS AND GRACE

Why are the Sastras and Puranas written? Today not much importance is given to them in society. People think that they are all obsolete and out moded! Rationalism and scientific advancement have contributed to the loss of belief and faith in Sastras, Puranas and rituals. In fact all these have been written and propagated for the benefit, protection and well being of humanity. We are aware of the filial bond and affection of the parents for their children. But the love of the Sastras is equal to the combined effect of a thousand parents pouring out their affection on their children! If we follow the mandates of our Sastras, the benefits we enjoy are innumerable. All benefits run after a person who scrupulously follows the path of Sastras! He need not go after them!  He will be warmly welcomed by all irrespective of caste, color or race and community! It is because of this primacy that religious rituals and practices are respected more than Jnana or Knowledge! A person, finishing his bath and rituals early in the morning goes to meet the Jnani. The Jnani gets up at midday after a sound sleep!  What opinion will the person have about the so called Jnani? He would feel that he can get up at 1pm since the Jnani himself had slept till 12pm!! Therefore religious rituals are sine quo non for disciplining one’s life!  It is for this very purpose that Sastras, Puranas and “ acharas” and religious rituals are created!

Many debates are conducted questioning the killing of Vali in the Ramayana. Some argue that Rama was perfectly right while others try to establish that he is wrong! Vali himself says that Rama was wrong in killing him for the sake of support from Sugriva! It has become a fashion in modern days not to think of the good that the Sastras and the rituals recommend. But they jump into the conclusion that when such and such a person had done such a thing why not we too! Valmiki calls: “ Ramo Vigrahavan dharmaha”-- Rama is the embodiment of Dharma or righteousness! He has to set an example to others in following Dharma or righteousness. Though an incarnation of Vishnu, he had to follow all rituals prescribed for human beings.

That is why in Panchavati, he performed all “anushtanams” or religious rituals. Later, in different Yugas, people shouldn’t complain that Rama didn't perform rituals and hence they need not care for rituals! The Lord knows the mentality of modern man and hence set an example for humanity by performing rituals and following the path of Dharma! The Vedas declare the greatest are those who see the sunrise first! The Yadavas who rear the cattle and drive them early in the morning are really the greatest. Women who bring water from the lake for the worship of God early in the morning have the view of the Sun God! The inference is that everyone should see the Sun soon after waking up. Crystal clear and pure water has to be brought for the worship of God! These are more important than yoga! While Krishna was born in Yadava clan, Rama was born in Surya Vamsa itself! God is not only God but has come down as a common man subject to many righteous practices for the edification of man! The Absolute or Paramatma combines within Himself the common and special aspects as in the mantras!

It is said that Lord Lakshmi Nrusimha of Mattapalli appeared before sage Bharadwaja as the father of the Creator Brahma! Like the child of Yasoda he showered His grace on a common man in the forest! An aged tribal man came to Mattapalli with offerings of rice, dal, fruits and vegetables. But by the time he arrived, the archakas had locked the temple and retired to their home. Staying at the mantapa near the temple, he was sad that he can have the darshan of the Lord late on the next day after archanam and abhishek. He addressed the Lord and wondered whether this sinner shall have the darshan and grace of the Lord. He had arrived very late at the temple. Even as he felt dejected and disappointed, the temple priest came and took him into the temple for darshan with all the things he had brought. The archaka opened the door, placed the rice, dal, fruits and vegetables at the lotus feet of the Lord and performed archana and aarti with pleasure! He asked the old man if he is satisfied. The old man said he was extremely satisfied and overwhelmed at the wonderful darshan. He led the man to the mantap, asked him to stay till the morning and left. In his indescribable ecstasy at the darshan at such a late hour, and the extraordinary grace of the Lord he fell asleep. At six in the morning the priest came and questioned why he stayed there.

The old man shuddered with fear. “Go, take your bath and come back” roared the priest. The priest went into the sanctum and was amazed to see the resplendent Lord and the rice and other offerings at the feet of Lord Nrusimha! He was at a loss to know how the rice and other materials came into the sanctum that was locked and closed. Just then he had the vision of the old man whom he dismissed, in the sanctum in front of the Lord! That vision made him tremble from head to foot! He ran out of the temple! The old man, as per the order of the priest was bathing in the river Krishna. The priest fell on the feet of the old man! He said pathetically that he could not get the darshan of the Lord despite touching Him daily and performing worship! But He has given the old man darshan and got what he wanted for Himself through him! It is a wonder that the Lord performed archana for himself and took him unto his lotus feet! The archaka melted away in tears! That is the compassion of the Lord!!