GITA 1.18
ulagam yavaiyum thamula aakkalum
nilai peruthalum neekalum neengala
alagila vilayattudayar avar thalaivar
annavarke saran nangale.
This is the First, prayer song of Kamba Ramayanam, in Tamil. Poet Kambar says that he prostrates to Him, Who is the Creator, Protector and Destroyer, and Who does all these as a Play and Who is Supreme. Kambar lived many centuries earlier and had authored Ramayana in Tamil language. For launching his work debut, he came to Srirangam. He worshiped Sri Ranganatha and prayed for permission for the launch. At that time Sri Ranganatha, through the Archaka (priest) asked whether Kambar sang in praise of Satakopa (Nammalwar). Repenting for that omission, Kambar immediately composed 'satakopar andhadi' in Tamil. He then launched his Ramayana epic in a mantapam in Srirangam temple.
This mantapam is called Kambar Arangetra Mantapam and is situated near the North gate of the temple, opposite Sri Thayar Sannidhi and Sri Mettu Azhagiyasingar Sannidhi. In those days the approval and recognition for Kambar's Ramayana was not that easily available. In his Ramayana, Kambar, while describing Yudha canto, mentions through Vibheeshana about Hiranyakasipu. Like Sri Narasimha destroyed Hiranyakasipu, Vibheeshana advises his brother Ravana not to indulge in evil acts and displease Sri Rama. While doing so, Kambar described Sri Narasimha Avatar story, in his Ramayana epic. When Kambar started reciting this episode and at the instance where Sri Narasimha emerged from pillar to kill Hiranyakasipu, loud laughter was heard from the Mettu Azhagiyasingar Sannidhi (seen right of the Mantapam in the picture). Thus everyone thought that the Lord Himself had recognized the work of Kambar. Thus, this is a historical place. From here, we will see the next sloka in Gita.
We had seen sloka 19 in the last lecture. In the next sloka 20, Arjuna looks at all those assembled before him. He held his bow Gandipa firmly and addressed Sri Krishna.
atha vyavasthitan drstva
dhartarastran kapi-dhvajah
pravrtte sastra-sampate
dhanur udyamya pandavah
O King, at that time Arjuna, the son of Pandu, who was seated in his chariot, his flag marked with Hanuman, took up his bow and prepared to shoot his arrows, looking at the sons of Dhrtarastra.
Pandavah = Arjuna, dhanur udyamya = grabbed his bow (Gandipa), sastra-sampade = fight, pravrutte = at the start, drstva = saw, dhartarastran = sons of Dridarashtra, vyavasthitan = all those determined (to make Duryodana win), kapi-dhvajah = (from the chariot with) monkey (Hanuman) emblem flag. By mentioning the flag with Hanuman as the emblem here, Vyasa assures that Arjuna had the blessings of Sri Hanuman also and so sure of victory. If we worship Sri Anjaneya before starting a work, we can be sure of success. Because Sri Hanuman is famous for adventurous feats. He crossed the ocean to meet Sri Sita in Lanka and returned to convey his meeting to Sri Rama, which enabled Sri Rama to rescue Sri Sita. So Arjuna is venturing to fight with the blessings of Sri Hanuman. Also, just like the Ravana's army shivered at the sight of Sri Hanuman, Kauravas army would shiver at the sight of Hanuman emblem in the flag. We should remember that Sanjaya is narrating the events in the battlefield to King Dridarashtra.
Sri Hanuman went with a mission to see Sri Sita and bring message from Her. Normally, when we are on a particular mission, we should try to gather information on all aspects associated with our mission, without spoiling the mission. We should be ready to answer all queries associated with the main purpose of our mission. That is why, Sri Hanuman, after meeting Sri Sita, wanted to know the strength and weakness of Ravana so that Sri Rama would be able to plan the strategy. So, he provoked Ravana by destroying the Ashoka gardens, killed the demons who came to fight with him, killed Ravan's son Akshakumar and pretended as though he was bound by Indrajit and met Ravana. Thus, Sri Hanuman created fear in the Rakshasas in Lanka. It was like twilight before sunrise. That is Sri Hanuman appeared before Sri Rama came to Lanka to destroy Ravana and his army. Similarly, here also Sri Hanuman appears before Sri Krishna and Arjuna enter the battlefield. Sri Hanuman had promised Arjuna that he would indirectly give support in the battle. Also Hanuman is elder brother of Bheema as both of them were blessed by god Vayu. Sri Hanuman is a symbol of enthusiasm.
Now, we will see the First half of next sloka 21:
hrsikesam tada vakyam
idam aha mahi-pate
O King, Arjuna then spoke to Hrsikesa [Krsna] these words:
Hrsikesam = (to) Sri Krishna, tada vakyam = these words, idam aha = spoke, mahi-pate = O! King. Already it was explained that Hrishikesa means controller of sense organs. Another meaning is, harsha = happiness, isa = commander, that is one who commands everyone and keeps them happy. What Arjuna told Sri Krishna will be discussed in the next lecture.
(continued)
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