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Skanda-nāmastotram — Mahābhārate Vana-parvaṇi (3.233)

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This is Mahābhārata, Vana Parva (Araṇya Parva), Adhyāya 233 of Kumbhakonam Edition , where Yudhiṣṭhira seeks to know the divine names and attributes of Bhagavān Skanda (Kārtikeya) from Mārkaṇḍeya Ṛṣi . Here is a succinct summary for devotional or Skanda Ṣaṣṭi reflection Adhyāya 233 of the Vana Parva, known as the Skanda-nāma-stotra , opens with Yudhiṣṭhira asking the sage Mārkaṇḍeya to reveal the divine names by which the mahātmā  bhagavan  Skanda is known across the three lokas. Mārkaṇḍeya first lists a series of epithets describing  bhagavan   Skanda’s valor, purity, compassion, and cosmic presence (verses 3–9). Then, beginning with “stoṣyāmi devair ṛṣibhiś ca juṣṭam,” he transitions into a hymn of praise (verses 10–19), portraying Skanda as the essence of Brahman, the embodiment of time, seasons, directions, and the sustaining power of the universe. The chapter concludes with a phalaśruti (verses 20–21), promising that whoever recites or listens to thes...
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Bhakta Kaṇṇappa Caritam: A Reflection on Śivānanda Lahari Śloka 63

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Introduction / Motivation.  In a world that often measures piety by ritual precision, the story of Thinnan, later revered as Bhakta Kannappa, bursts forth as a divine paradox. Here was a hunter who offered raw meat with unwashed hands and water held in his mouth, and yet rose to become one of Lord Śiva’s most beloved devotees. This blog is a heartfelt journey through the poetic brilliance of Sekkizhār’s Periyapurā ṇ am and the contemplative vision of Śrī Ādi Śa ṅ kara’s Śivānanda Lahari . At its core, it explores the sacred transformation — from Thinnan the vanacara ḥ (forest-dweller) to Ka ṇṇ appa the bhakta avata ṃ sa ḥ (crest-jewel among devotees) — wrought entirely through the grace of Swāmi Kālahasteeshwara. Particularly poignant is Śrī Āchārya’s 63rd śloka, a number that bears symbolic resonance, for Kannappa is the crown among the 63 Nayanmārs of the Śaiva tradition. This verse lovingly describes Thinnan’s extraordinary yet innocent acts of devotion: Worn-out sanda...
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