Shri G. Sudhakaran, Hon’ble Minister for Registration & Public Works
Shri K.C. Venugopal, Member of Parliament,
Shri Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament,
Shri Padmanabhan Nair, Secretary, Akhila Bharatha Sreemad Bhagavatha Sathra Samithi
Shri Babu Panicker, Chairman, Satra Nirvahana Samiti
Shri Harikumar, General Convenor, Satra Nirvahana Samiti
Priyappetta Bhaktha Janangale
Madhyama Suhruthukkale, Sahodaree Sahodaranmare
Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram
I feel immensely happy and blessed to have the opportunity to address you as Chief Guest at the closing ceremony of the 34th Srimad Bhagavatha Maha Sathram held at Sreekrishna Swamy Temple, Ambalappuzha.
Though I have attended some programmes in Alapuzha district earlier and have passed by Ambalapuzha many times, this is my first visit to this sacred abode of Lord Krishna.
This temple's association with Guruvayur , the famous legend behind its unique prasadam called Ambalapuzha Paal Paayasam and the temple's tradition of having nurtured literary talents like the legendary poet Kunchan Nambiar are too well known to be recounted in detail.
As a sacred institution that has cast a sublime influence on the spiritual well being of the people, this temple has always remained a marvel in Kerala's spiritual history. Today, as we conclude the 34th Srimad Bhagavatha Sathram, held for the first time in this temple, we feel the ennobling effect of its spiritual influence.
The aim of all religions is the welfare of the world. Religions must seek to unite people, not to divide them. But, in today's world, the practice of religion by some sections seems to be guided more by ignorance than knowledge. Sadly, such ignorance has been causing extremism and intolerance in many societies. In this context, we need to concentrate on actions that will spread the light of spiritual knowledge. I feel that the Bhaagavata Sathram , which is held in different temples every year, is one such noble endeavour.
Devotion has been a central theme in Indian philosophy, and Man's life is seen as a journey in search of knowledge, better known as Jnaana. It is though this knowledge that Man seeks perfection, which we call Moksha or the h in our actions and it is not surprising that many of our scriptures giving paramount importance to action. One example is the Bhagavat Gita. According to Swamy Vivekananda, the doctrine which stood out luminously in every page of the Gita was intense activity. But in the midst of it, one could also experience eternal calmness.
The Sreemad Bhagavatham goes beyond The Gita and the Mahabharata which dwell on the concepts of Kama, Artha and Dharma. In fact, Bhagavatham explains how one can attain Moksha or the ultimate Bliss by submitting oneself to the doctrines of Lord Krishna.
Bhagavatham sees Krishna's incarnation as a complete Avatar and each stage of the Avatar presents lofty models for human existence. Innocence of childhood and the beauty of maternal love come alive in the description of his early years ; the stories of his youth instilled dreams of in the minds of damsels. The portrait of Krishna as a soldier and a war strategist, the magic of his Diplomacy and his philosophy of life carve lofty models that no myth could ever surpass. Every moment of his life, as recounted in Bhagavatham reveals eternal truths on human life, insight and imagination.
There is a general tendency to sideline spiritual texts as mere outdated stories. But, texts like Bhagavatham reveal their increased relevance through each reading. Take for instance, Krishna's life as the protector of cattle. It points to the eco-concepts that we as humans hold dear to our minds even now. In his Kaaliya Mardanam, we see a protector's warning against the forces of pollution of water, an issue we are still not free from . When he lifted the Mount Govardhanam to protect his people from the torrential rains unleashed by an angry Indra, it was his faith in Nature's role in ensuring safety and agricultural prosperity, that we saw.
I understand that the Bhagavtha Sathram held now is the 34th one organized by the Akhila Bharatha Bhagavatha Sathram Samithy. It is heartening to know that throughout the history of this spiritual event, there has been a wide participation from other temples and from devotees living in different places. We have had instances when the Sree Krishna Idol for the Sathram was brought from Guruvayur, or from Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh. When the Sathram was held at Guruvayur, the idol procession came from Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Thus, this event has always had a wider acceptance and today's large audience is an evidence of its social relevance.
I am informed that the ten day Sathram has been enriched by the presence of over a hundred Acharyas who explained through informative lectures, the suggestive meaning of each line of Bhaagavatham. It is widely believed that regular reading and recital of spiritual texts refines our minds. No wonder, all over Kerala, we have many groups, especially groups of women regularly reciting texts like Sreemad Narayaneeyam. Such initiatives, with a clear understanding of the philosophy that lies beneath every line, would help people to understand our spiritual and cultural heritage in a better way.
I heartily compliment the organizers for their tireless efforts in conducting this Sathram in a befitting and spiritually rewarding manner.
I sincerely hope that all devotees who attended this Bhagavatha Sathram would feel the light of spiritual refinement guiding them in their life ahead.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
