Most of us are taught ‘sukla:bara dharam…’ prayer as a child. Today is the appropriate day to recollect the prayer, its essence and how it helps. Like, these days one pays special respects to or special consideration towards important aspects on certain specific days such as Guru Purnima, Yoga Day, Mother’s day etc.

Vedas described today, Vighna Niva:raka Chathurddhi as the day when one can pray respects to those who they consider can strengthen them for handling the obstacles and move forward.

sukla:mbara dharam vishnum
sasi varnam chathur bhujam |
prasanna vadanam dhya:ye:th
sarva vigno:pa sa:nthaye: ||

As the word to word meanings instruct, the prayer supports one’s dhya:nam, meditation upon Vishwakse:na. The prayer reflects Vishwakse:na, who has certain key qualities as described in the prayer:

  • purity and perfection in thoughts and actions (sukla ambara dharam)
  • for which his mind is undisturbed by the negative forces (sukla ambara dharam)
  • pleasant appearance (sasi varnam)
  • fulfills all the responsibilities overcoming all challenges (sarva vighno:pasa:nthaye:)

He is revered as the chief commander of Lord Vishnu, who has a team of hundreds, each having elephant and other faces with two tusks ready to destroy the obstacles of the devoted seekers.

Whatever draft Vishvaksena prepares with regard to running the vibhu:thi:s, Universes, are accepted by Lord Srimannarayana, without any alteration or addition, it seems. A:lawanda:r Stho:tram reveals this in its verse…

priye:na se:na:pathina: nyave:di thath, thattha:nuja:nantham uda:ra vi:kshanaihi

Similarly, those who seek Parama Siva as the bestower of all good can worship Vinayaka, the giver of strength to face all the obstacles for them. Vinayaka proves how respecting and abiding by the directions given by parents can itself give one all they need. Our culture also puts us in practicing the worship of all flora and fauna. We must all ensure that their original abodes are not disturbed and thus preserve the intended natural conditions.

Additionally on this day, history must remind us of Sri Krushna who was incorrectly blamed for something He did not do, how He proved Himself, and emerged victorious in the episode of Samanthakamani.

May we all attain Lord’s grace to complete all the right deeds we take up without any challenges. May Lord’s grace be showered on all of us to attain great results…

– From the discourse of HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
– 31st August 2022, Divya Saketham, JIVA

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