Singing the praise of Rama & Krishna
Among children, there is a classical play called locked-arm-rotation (it is called undhipara/உந்தி-பறத்தல் in Tamil). While playing, the children may exchange songs/riddles/stories/debates/etc to elevate the mood further. This concept is widely used in the spiritual literature of Tamils. 8th century Saint-poet Manickavasaga Peruman had used it in his exemplary “Thiruvasagam”.
One such occasion is given in the divine work of Sri Alwars. It was portrayed by none other than our Sri PeriyaAzhwar (Periya Thirumozhi 3.9) . The two friends were taunting each other by singing the glory of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama alternatively. Needless to say, one had taken the side of Lord Rama and the other was supporting Lord Krishna (In many places both the Lords were mentioned in Divya Prabadham and in detail on few occasions)
Here is the starting verse:
என்னாதன் தேவிக்குஅன்று இன்பப்பூ ஈயாதாள்
தன்நாதன் காணவே தண்பூ மரத்தினை
வன்னாதப் புள்ளால் வலியப் பறித்திட்ட
என்னாதன் வன்மையைப் பாடிப்பற எம்பிரான் வன்மையைப் பாடிப்பற.
Friend 1: Mother Satyabama had asked for the special flower “parijatham (karpaka vriksha)”. That tree is located in Indra’s abode. Hence, Lord Krishna summoned Lord Garuda who uprooted the tree and brought it back to Bhoo-loka (while Indra & his wife Sasidevi was watching helplessly). Let us sing the glory of my Master & Swing. Let us sing the glory of my Lord & Swing
Friend 2: Lord Rama took the challenge of Lord Parasurama. He bent/broken his bow and took back his tapasya/avathara amsa. The same Lord killed the old demon Tataka by driving an arrow into her chest. Let us sing the praise of his bow’s might and swing; Let us sing the praise of Dasarathi (Dasaratha’s son) and swing
Friend 1: While eloping with Mother Rukmini on a chariot, he was chased by her brother prince Rukma. Lord Krishna defeated him and cut his hair tresses (mark of insult and symbolic severance of his head/ego). Let us sing the glory of his prowess & swing; Let us sing the glory of Devaki’s lion & swing
Friend 2: Lord Rama was ordained by his step-mother to go to forest. His own mother Kausalya pleaded with him tearfully (not to go). Abides by the word of yama-like mother (Kaikeyi) . All done without any anger. Let us sing the glory of one who did not get angry & swing. Let us sing the glory of Sita’s husband & sing
Friend 1: Went as the ambassador of five brothers and facilitated the Mahabharata battle. Went to the pond/Yamuna, where the serpent Kaliyaa/Kalinga was spewing venom. He was tamed by Lord Krishna who danced on Kalingan’s hood. Let us sing the glory of kajal-coloured (black) one & swing. Let us sing the glory of Yashodha’s lion & swing
Friend 2: Bharatha pleaded with Lord Rama to accept the crown and rule the three worlds. Lord Rama gave his padhukaas/sandals to the supremely-charactered Bharatha. Let us sing the glory of one who gave away his Sandals & sing. Let us sing the glory of King of Ayodhya & swing
Friend 1: Not only he performed dance on the hood of Kaliyaa and also blessed him Vaikunta/birthless/shaap-vimochana. Let us sing the glory of his shoulder’s might & swing. Let us sing the glory of Blue coloured one & swing
Friend 2: Accepted his step-mother/aunt/chitthi’s word and went to forest. Gave up his throne to his brother. was instrumental in cutting the nose of demoness Soorpanakha(with the help of Lakshmana). Let us sing the glory of who facilitated the cut & swing. Let us sing the glory of king of Ayodhya & swing
Friend 1 : Killed the mayaavi chakatasura (wheel demon). Bifurcated the two tall marudu (arjuna/kadamba) trees with the pestle/grinder he was tied. Managed the cows along with the other shepherds. Expert/king in playing the flute . Let us sing the glory of shepherd’s champion & swing. Let us sing the glory of the Shepherd & swing
Friend 2: Built a bridge and crossed it to reach Lanka. Cut all the 10 heads of Ravana. Placed his brother (Vibhishana) on the throne. Let us sing the glory of one who tastes like nectar & swing. Let us sing the glory of king of Ayodha & Swing
Conclusion : Those will not face any danger, who listens to the 5 songs on Nandagopa’s son and 5 song on Lord Rama, as told by Sri PeriyAzhwar
Om Namo Narayaanaya!
