28-05-2025
Rama, the great warrior
Vedanta Desika has praised Lord Rama's qualities in his work Raghuveera Gadyam. It is said that this work was offered at the temple of Lord Devanatha in Thiruvaheendrapuram during the Brahmotsava. Gadyam means prose, but usually such works have the rhyme of poetry. Ramanujacharya wrote three such gadyams — Saranagati Gadyam, Sriranga Gadyam and Sri Vaikuntha Gadyam. These three works together are usually referred to as gadya traya (the three prose works). It would be right to conclude that Vedanta Desika was inspired by the works of Ramanujacharya when he wrote Raghuveera Gadyam, said T.N. Aravamuda Thathachariar in a discourse.
Desika's Raghuveera Gadyam has three slokas and 94 choornikas. The choornikas praise Rama's qualities. They follow Valmiki Ramayana cantos closely, highlighting the qualities which are evident in each kanda of Valmiki Ramayana. The first choornika begins with the words 'Jaya jaya Mahaveera.' In the Bala Kanda, Valmiki asks Narada to name a person living in bhuloka at that time, who is both virtuous and valorous. Narada replies that Rama is upright and is the greatest warrior on earth. Narada uses the word 'mahaveera,' which, therefore, Desika too uses right at the beginning. Janaka too upon first seeing Rama and Lakshmana, is impressed by their strength as warriors. Even Ravana is impressed by the way in which the brothers conduct themselves on the battlefield. So, throughout the Ramayana, we find that Rama's bravery is constantly spoken of by Valmiki. Keeping this in mind, Vedanta Desika begins his praise of Rama with the word 'mahaveera.' In fact, Raghuveera Gadyam is referred to as Mahaveera Vaibhavam by Sri Vaishnava Acharyas. Desika next celebrates Rama as Mahadheera. He has courage, the firm resolve and the fortitude needed by a good warrior.
