Sri:

Srimathe Satakopaya Nama:

Srimathe Ramanujaya Nama:

Srimath Varavaramunaye Nama:

Namanum Murkkalanum pesa :  ( As Yama and Mudgala speak)
(adapted from an article of Kanchi Swami, who is the source of all greatness that emerge out of this piece despite my mistakes)

The initial part of the twelfth hymn of Tirumalai of Thondaradipodi Azhwar runs as follows : “namanum murkalanum pesa narakil ninrarkal ketka, narakame suvargamagum namangaludaiya nambi”.

This hymn speaks about the incident recorded in Mudgalopakhyanam of SriVishnu Dharmam. It celebrates the greatness of the divine name of the Lord.

Mudgala is the head of sinners. Still, he happens to donate a cow, one day, while uttering “krishnaaya”. On his death, the servants of Yama bind him and drag him to Yama’s place. However, to his surprise, Yama receives him with respect.

A bewildered Mudgala poses to Yama, “O Sire! While your servants bind me and drag me to this place, how is that you, of all people, stand to regard me with respect?”
Yama replies, “ Mudgala, neither do my servants realize your greatness nor do you ! You are great for you have uttered the name of Krishna once in your lifetime.”

While Yama speaks to Mudgala, their incidental conversation falls on the ears of the residents of hell. Their dialogue on the greatness of the name of  Lord transforms Naraka, the place of all suffering, into one of bliss ! Incredibly great is the name of the Lord, isn’t it?

Let us analyse this condition,

Mudgala merely asks a question of curiosity(not out of devotion), “Why do you respect me?”, to which Yama replies, “For you uttered the name of Krishna once.” Yama does not speak the divine names of the Lord for his deliberate goodness sake, he is only responding to a question. He does not lecture to Mudgala upon his request. He does not say the divine names with the motive of  liberating the people of Naraka. It’s just a direct answer to a question.

The listeners do not listen to this conversation while doing prayaschiththa after repenting for their sins. They listen while they are in the process of suffering in hell for committing sins. These sinners who are in the midst of suffering  do not listen with interest or out of an intention. The words exchanged between Yama and Mudgala accidentally fall on their ears.

And for only this, the place of intense suffering transforms into one of infinite bliss.
Is there anything more to be said about the greatness of His names?

Azhwar Emperumanar Jeeyar Thiruvadikale saranam

Sri Kanchi Swami Thiruvadikale saranam