15-07-2025
Steps involved in worship
Lord Narasimha protected His devotee, Prahalada, and Rama protected the people of Ayodhya, in addition to saving the rishis from the clutches of the demons, and Sri Krishna handed over the Bhagavad Gita — a treasure trove containing the essential concepts and principles that people should follow to lead a righteous life. As Lord Ranganatha in 'Archa' form, He extends His blessings to those who worship Him. His dwelling abode, Srirangam, is called Bhuloka Vaikuntam. The first syllable of the Vedas, 'OM', is also called 'pranava', and Lord Ranganatha's temple vimana is known as the 'Pranavakara Vimanam'. It has four kalasas symbolising the four Vedas. Srirangam is the first of the 108 Vaishnava divya desa kshetras. It is believed that Lord Ranganatha's divine power is present in all the deities of other kshetras.
Valayappettai Ramachariar said in a discourse that Swami Vedanta Desika followed the lines of Thiruppanazhwar in worshipping Lord Ranganatha. The Azhwar composed 'Amalanadhipiran' in praise of the Lord and worshipped Him starting from the divine feet to the head. Swami Vedanta Desika composed 'Bhagavad Dhyana Sopanam,' in which he extolled the various qualities of the Lord. The Acharya tells us how to worship the Lord. 'Sopanam' refers to steps. Dhyanam relates to worship. The Acharya enjoyed worshipping the Lord's divine body step by step from the feet to the head. The smiling face and the lotus eyes of the Lord attract the devotees, who feel that their eyes refuse to take away from enjoying the glimpse of God.
People are caged in a prison-like body, and by worshipping Lord Ranganatha, they can attain liberation. The divine radiance of the Lord removes our miseries.
The works of Swami Vedanta Desika serve as a guide to humanity. He pleads on our behalf to include us in rendering divine service to the Lord.
