Vedanta Desika's Two Mahakavyas (Paduka Sahasra, Yadavabhuadhaya)

I feel happy to bring out the summarised versions of the two well-known mahakavyas of Sri Vedantha Desika viz. Padukaa Sahasra and Yaadavaabhyudhaya together in one single book. While the former eulogises the holy padukas which the Lord had to part with for Bharatha's sake in Thretayuga, the latter narrates the various marvels/leelas of the Lord in Dwaapara yuga. Both are witness to Swami Desikan's supreme and superlative ability in poetic creations which stand alongside those of other mahakavis like Kalidasa.

Paadukaa Sahasra had a history before it took shape. Nevertheless we are lucky to have been rewarded with such a marvellous work; while we know them as just two sandals of the Lord, an aachaarya of Swami Desikan's calibre and stature alone could commemorate and narrate their greatness in no less than 1008 slokas!

Similarly Swami Desikan's Yaadhavaabhyudhaya is a remarkable composition running into 2643 stanzas steeped in rare poetic imagery and narrates the Lord's exploits and 'leelas' right from childhood to adult stage. It has no place for others' sub-stories and in that sense it is Krishna and Krishna alone right through. May be because of its huge size, many have not attempted to write books about this mahakavya.

I do hope that this book will be well-received. The most relevant slokas for each paddhathi or sarga is given to complement the overall summary given for each. These slokas are given in three languages - Kannada, Sanskrit and English.

I thank Ms. Sudha for the attractive DTP type setting and Mr. Swaminathan of Sri Maruthi Graphics. I also thank Mr. Sharada Prasad and Mr. Ashwathanarayana of Sri Ganesha Maruthi Printers for attractive and timely printing.