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http://www.hindu.com/br/2007/05/22/stories/2007052200451500.htm

Interpreting sacred names of Lakshmi 

V. N. VEDANTA DESIKAN 



LAKSHMI ASHTOTTARA SATANAMA NIRUKTI STUTI ?
Explanation of the Sacred Names of Sri Mahalakshmi,
Vol. II: V. S. Karunakaran; Pub. by Sri Vishnu Sahasra
Nama Satsangam, C-8519, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070.
Rs. 40. 

Every popular deity in Hinduism is usually associated
with a large number of names, which have real
significance and import. One often hears about a
thousand names for such deities. 

The Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram embedded in the
Mahabharata, was commented upon by Sankara, who
brought out the intrinsic significance of each name.
Indeed a few names occur repeatedly, for which meaning
ought to be provided, in a manner that makes one
relish the ingenuity and flash. This was especially
accomplished by Parasara Bhattar, son of
Koorathazhvan, a close disciple of Ramanuja. Bhattar
aptly named his work "Bhagavadguna Darpanam",
indicating that it was a mirror projecting Lord
Vishnu's qualities and characteristics for our
viewing. 

How he was able to do it is a matter of interest. The
Sanskrit root is taken up and its etymological
transformation to the particular name is traced
fascinatingly. An appropriate saying or phrase is
adduced to explain the exact meaning of a particular
name. Names, such as Aja and Vaasudeva, when repeated
three or more times, are interpreted refreshingly and
with real intellectual relish. This is referred to as
"Nirukti". Yaska, who did for the Vedas, is the
pioneer in the field. 

Nirukta is one of the six Vedaangas. In the Indian
tradition, names are of two types: "roodhi"
(etymologically evolvable from the root, with a
particular significance) and "yogic" (assigned merely
as a denotative or identity mark). They are known in
Tamil as "Kaaranappeyar" and "Idukurippeyar"
respectively. 

This volume contains explanation for names 37 to 72 of
Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtottara Stotram, a popular hymn
being recited in homes and shrines. Probably, the
first-ever attempt at Nirukti-interpretation of these
names is by V.S. Karunakaran, a multi-faceted scholar
and a veritable prodigy in poesy. 

His approach is to narrate a well-known anecdote from
the ancient epics or puranas, or from a recent episode
pertaining to his own circle of relatives or friends,
in order to bring home the significance of the
particular name, then cite his own verse, in Sanskrit,
to recount the etymology. One looks forward to the
next number in the series



       
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