Mukundamala

Mukundamala (Sanskrit: मुकुन्दमाला, romanized: Mukundamālā)[1] is a Sanskrit Hindu eulogy composed by the Bhakti saint Kulasekhara,[2] seventh of the twelve Alvars of the Sri Vaishnava tradition.[3]

The Mukundamala extols Krishna, featured in this painting by Nandikolla Gopala Rao.

Scholars identify Kulasekhara as one of the earliest Chera/Kulasekhara rulers of Kodungallur (Mahodaya Pura) in modern-day Kerala.[4][5] The hymns of the work ask Mukunda, another name for Krishna, to give the unworthy author freedom from samsara. It describes the misery of the soul trapped in this world and exhorts that Krishna is the only means of salvation.

Hymns
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Vaishnavism
Closeup of Vishnu, seated in the lotus position on a lotus. From depiction of the poet Jayadeva bowing to Vishnu, Gouache on paper Pahari, The very picture of devotion, bare-bodied, head bowed, legs crossed and hands folded, Jayadeva stands at left, with the implements of worship placed before the lotus-seat of Vishnu who sits there, blessing the poet.
Supreme deity
Vishnu / Krishna / Rama
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Dashavatara
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The first hymn of the Mukundamala extols Vishnu's various attributes:[6]

O, Mukunda! make me your glory great oft recount,
As Laksmi's consort dear, as the bestower bounteous,
As the all-merciful, as the great friend of the devout,
As the deft destroyer of earthly bondage, as my sole support
As the one lying on the serpent couch in sweet repose,
As the all-pervading Lord of the universe.

— Mukundamala, Hymn 1

The second hymn of the work directly addresses Vishnu's incarnation of Krishna:[7]

Victory, Victory unto Devaki’s celestial darling,
Victory, Victory unto Krsna, the beacon-light of Vrsni’s clan,
Victory, Victory unto Him, the cloud-hued, of body charming,
Victory, Victory unto Mukunda who rid clean The Earth of its unwholesome burden.

— Mukundamala, Hymn 2

References
  1. www.wisdomlib.org (4 July 2020). "Mukundamala, Mukundamālā: 3 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
  2. Noburu Karashmia (ed.), A Concise History of South India: Issues and Interpretations. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2014. 143.
  3. Narayanan, M. G. S. Perumāḷs of Kerala. Thrissur (Kerala): CosmoBooks, 2013. 65-66, 95-96, 383-5, 436.
  4. Noburu Karashmia (ed.), A Concise History of South India: Issues and Interpretations. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2014. 143.
  5. Narayanan, M. G. S. Perumāḷs of Kerala. Thrissur (Kerala): CosmoBooks, 2013. 65-66, 95-96, 383-5, 436.
  6. Makarand Joshi. Mukunda Mala Of Sri Kulashekhar Alwar Sanskrit English By Satya Murthi Iyengar 1987. p. 2.
  7. Makarand Joshi. Mukunda Mala Of Sri Kulashekhar Alwar Sanskrit English By Satya Murthi Iyengar 1987. p. 5.
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