अष्टोत्तरशतनामावली - Ashtottara Shatnamavali

These ideas were expressed by my father of revered memory-Sri V. Subramanya Iyer of Mysore-during a talk (11-2-1911). While digesting the significance of Sri Ramakrishna's life, I was induced to compose io8 holy names in Sanskrit on the basis of the above ideas. Later on, the lives of the Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda also appealed to me. Now these three garlands of io8 salutations or prostrations with the divine names in Sanskrit, known as 'Ashtottarashata Namavali' are offered at the sacred feet of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sri Saradamani Devi and Sri Swami Vivekananda. Though composed at various distant periods (1948, 1957 and 1982) they have the same theme of referring to their divine origin and to the main events of their holy lives. When the Namavalis are repeated, they set forth the exalted nature of these three great souls.

The three lives together represent the three aspects of spiritual life. Sri Ramakrishna reveals the extraordinary experience of the Highest Blissful state as a natural phenomenon. Sri Sarada Devi by her example shows how to realise that Bliss in the midst of the hectic daily life, through universal and selfless love. Sri Swami Vivekananda infuses strength and courage in all to declare that such a Supreme Bliss is the birth right of every human being.

This is but a humble offering of devotion for personal satisfaction only-Atma tripti'. Revered Swami Vireswaranandaji Maharaj, 10th President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, appreciated this spirit and very kindly set right the first two Namavalis i.e. Namavalis of Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi in 1963 in Calcutta. Thus encouraged by him I distributed them among a small circle of devotees. He has not only approved of my attempt to compose the third one to adorn the 'Holy Trio' but has also very graciously sent his blessings to make the effort successful.

Later, Revered Swami Chidghananandaji Maharaj suggested the idea of composing a Namavali on Swami Vivekananda to make the offering complete. Revered Swami Vijnanandaji Maharaj gave me proper guidance and advice from time to time.

Revered Swami Vimalanandaji Maharaj, in spite of his difficulties, was kind enough to effect the corrections in the third Namavali i.e., the Namavali on Swami Vivekananda. He also took great pains to look into the whole manuscript in Sanskrit and the English version to make the work presentable as a booklet.

I am deeply indebted to our most respected Swamijis who have recognised this sincere attempt to worship the three divine personalities of the present May the grace of the 'HOLY TRIO' be showered on their devotees is my heartfelt prayer.

**Contents and Sample Pages**