The Mahima of Vishnu Sahasranama Part V

The Mahima of Vishnu Sahasranama Part V

We are all well aware of the story of Ajaamilan (அஜாமிளன்). An oft narrated story that stands testimony to the potency of naama sankirthanam.

Ajamilan was a Brahmin who was raised according to Vedic regulations. He was married to a beautiful woman and lived a life following the Dharmas laid out in the Vedas.  One day he happened  to meet a prostuitute and became insanely attracted and attached to her. Inevitably  he soon  became entangled with her, abandoned his family and went away from his home with her. He soon lost all his satvic qualities, became a thief, a liar, a drunkard, a murderer and lived a despicable  life of  utter immorality. Through the prostitute, he begot many children.Time passed by and one fine day Ajamilan was in his death bed.

Death raked up the deepest of his fears and Ajamilan was now faced  with the Yama dhoothas   waiting  to carry out their  duty. Intimidated by their presence Ajamilan called out to his youngest and favorite  son “ Narayana..Narayana…Narayana..”. Even before the son could reach his father’s side the Vishnu Dhutas were beside Ajamilan.

What ensued is indeed an interesting dialogue between the Vishnu dutas and Yama dutas. This dialogue   reveals the underlying subtle philosophy which is often over ridden  whenever the story is narrated.

Vishnu dutas: ( to Yama dutas) we cannot permit you take Ajamilan  to Yamapatna.He has uttered the name of the Supreme Lord and hence needs to go to Vishnu lokam.

Yama Dutas : impossible…this man ..was .Born  as a Brahmin..and  lived a life  devoid of any sanctity .and you say he needs to go to swarga lokam..we cannot allow that .let us perform our Dharma..keep away from him..

Vishnu Dutas: .( with a tone of sarcasm)...before you take him ..can you please tell us what  is this Dharma you are talking so much about.

Yama dutas: வேதப் பிரணிஹிதோ தர்மஹா, அதர்மஸ்த விபர்யேயஹா: what is laid down in the Vedas as good ,is Dharma and what is not acceptable according to the Vedas is Adharma.

Vishnu dutas: Accepted . In that case, who then bears witness to the fact, whether one lives a life of dharma or adharma ?

Yama dutas:  The supreme Lord has many a witness. The air, water, land plants, animals, sun ,moon and stars..are  all witnesses who report back to that Lord.

Vishnu dutas: So you agree  all these elements report back that Supreme Lord is it not? Then are you not aware of this truth that it is the very same Supreme Lord who gave the Vedas and upholds Dharma has also  decreed that ,one who calls upon His name should be granted moksha?

Yama Dutas:..oh yes yes..we are aware of this Dharma..but then do you believe that ajamilan called out the Name of Narayana knowing the greatness of the naama??? He just called out to his youngest son in sheer  anxiety. Isn’t there a propriety with which you utter the Lord’s name??

Vishnu dutas: Your argument is rather unbelievable. Are you not aware that

சாங்கேத்யம் பாரிஹாஸ்யம் ஸ்தோபம்   ஹேளனமேவவா 

வைகுண்ட நாம க்ரஹணம்    அசேஷ அகஹரம்  விதுஹு    

This sloka means, Who so ever  takes the name of the Lord (வைகுண்ட நாம க்ரஹணம்), In which ever form to indicate (சாங்கேத்யம்) or in mockery ( பாரிஹாஸ்யம் ) or in dislike (ஸ்தோபம்) or  even in criticism(ஹேளனமேவவா) becomes a sinless one as all his sins are cleansed by the mere utterance of the Lords name. Thus Ajamilan will now be taken to Vishnu lokam.

The profound interpretation that underlies this story is, though Ajamilan uttered the name of the Supreme Lord in fear, it brought him the company of the Vishnu dutas.

In their presence his rajasic and tamasic gunas were overpowered by his innate and dormant satva guna. When the satwa guna gained predominance, cognizance dawned on him. He realized as to  how foolish he had been to have wasted his life thus without calling on that Supreme Lord’s  name. It was THAT REALISATION that granted him moksha. So, what ever be the circumstances chant, Bhaja Govindham..bahja Govindam Govindam bahja mooda mathe..

I once again reiterate that what I am sharing is what I have listened to, understood and perceived with my nascent and limited understanding. Blow away the chaff and please take what is worth.In all humility I submit…

Sarvam Krishanrpanam.