In her first Paashuram (Poem No.1) Goda explains the Naaraayana Tatwa as His first location, Sthana. The Lord told Gopikaas about the ultimate, omnipotent, and omnipresent power of Naaraayana. His omnipresence is indicated by names Vishnu, Vasudeva, and Naaraayana. Vishnu means one who pervades the universe. Vasudeva signifies that he resides and shines in every inch of the creation.
Goda’s Tamil Pashuram
Vaiyathu Vazhveerkal! Nanum Nam Pavaikku Seyyum Kirisaikal Keleero! Paarkadalul Paiyya-th-thuyindra param Adi Paadi Neyyunnom Paal Unnom Naatkale Neeradi Maiy-itt Ezhudom Malar Ittu Naam Mudiyom Seyyadana Seyyom Thee Kkuralai Senrodhom Iyamum Pichaiyum Aandanaiyum Kaikaatti Uyyumarenni Ugandhu-el-or-empaavaai
English poem
For the world’s bliss, come dear, join this divine mission. To sing at the lotus feet of Vaikuntha Natha of Milk Ocean Forsake ghee and milk and forget not to bathe in early hours. Forsake flowers and eyeliner, and avoid giving facial makeup. Listen to elders, do not do the don’ts, do only the good. Hurt not, donate as much as you can. For salvation, engage with noble thoughts, awake, let us all go.
Shriman Naaraayana Chinna Raamanuja Jeeyar says these two names do not indicate how and why He has spread all over. Hence Vishnu Mantra and Vasudeva Mantra are considered deficient in a slight way. But the name of Naaraayana is complete. This Naaraayana Mantra explains why and how He resides everywhere and His relationship with others through His presence, besides the consequences of such widespread nature. Naaramulu means all living and non-living things of the entire universe. Aayanam means source or base for the existence of all Naramulu and the Universe. Naaraayana is the source and base for everything. The universe exists because of Him. He resides within all to enliven it. Goda opens the Kaavya with this elaborate sense in a small stanza of eight lines.
The second song of Goda discloses the second abode of Bhagavan, Paalakadali, the Ocean of Milk. He is smaller than the smallest, Anu (microcell) among the Anus, and at the same time bigger than the biggest, Mahat or Brihat. He is the embodiment of five elements. The body of every creature consists of the same five elements. Earth is one of those five. It isn’t easy to be peaceful on this Earth.
In this song, Goda sets the rules and regulations for the Naaraayana Vrata. Do’s and don’ts are prescribed. We need to gain knowledge from elders as to what to do and what not to do. Many Gopikaas joined Goda, ready to learn about their mission.
We do not seek anything for us. Our aim is different, our path is unique. We consider that to reach Naaraayana, the only way is Himself. We are not aware of any yajnas and mantras. Naaraayana is swinging on the tides of the ocean of milk. Let us approach His feet and sing in His praise. When we can enjoy the taste of chanting the sweet name of Naaraayana, do we need ghee and milk? All of us shall reach the river for an early bath. Let us not bother about collyrium and flowers to deck our hair. Real Vaishnava does not bother about the bodily decorations. Flowers or milk, are meant only for Krishna.
Bharatha, great brother
Bharatha, brother of Raama, is our inspiration. He did not accept the power of the Kingdom, but preferred the divine feet of Lord Raama, though Lord Raama asked him to get crowned and rule, Guru Vashistha ordained, and Father Dasarath accepted it as part of the boons granted to Kaikeyi. Everything was ready and there was nothing objectionable as per Dharma and Morals. Yet he considered it a hindrance to his salvation and devotion to elder brother Raama. Bharath is a real devotee, a tested and trusted Bhakta.
To err is natural when on this earth. Jeeyar narrates a couple of stories of Ramayana as examples of this Earth’s Taamasa Guna effect. Hanuman witnesses how demons harass Seeta in the custody of abductor Raavana. He seeks her permission to destroy the demons around her. But Seeta says, these are servants who perform duties as per King’s mandate. There is no point in penalizing them. They might have exceeded the mandate. Hanuma, did you not exceed the mandate by burning the Lanka when you simply must find me? Then Hanuman questions Seeta, “Do you also say that Raama also exceeded?”. She says “Yes. When Shoorpanakha approached him with desire, he should have simply said “I am one One-wife in one life Vrata”, but he advised her to propose to Lakshman, and both ridiculed her, and this is the consequence of provocation”. Then Seeta also repents for having desired the Golden Deer, which is unnatural and non-existent, and for accusing Lakshmana of unreasonable allegations. The earthly character makes all living beings behave in excess.