Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya
नारायणाय परिपूर्णगुणार्णवाय
विश्वोदयस्थितिलयोन्नियतिप्रदाय ।
ज्ञानप्रदाय विभुधासुरसौख्यदुःख
सत्कारणाय वितताय नमो नमस्ते ।।
Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya, as the very name indicates, is a classical epic text written to bring out the true essence of Mahabharata. It is that ambrosial tonic, which was extracted by churning the milky ocean called Mahabharata. Sri Madhwacharya, using his mind brush, portrayed this masterpiece on the beautiful canvas of Mahabharata.
Hidden Dimensions
He enriched its value by showcasing the multitude of hidden dimensions, looking from which, the esoteric teachings of Bhagavan Vedavyasa can be meaningfully fathomed. Thus, this work stands out as an unparalleled and invaluable exposition on the Mahabharata – the greatest epic of Mankind.
True Purport of Scriptures
In fact, this work has a wider objective. It sets out to bring out the true purport of the entire spectrum of scriptures. Mahabharata is only used as a vehicle to arrive at it. The choice of Mahabharata is due to its utility both as a source as well as an aid to the exposition of the Vedantic thought enshrined in all scriptures. The essence of all scriptures is not only captured but vivdly demonstrated by various episodes that occur in Mahabharata. Even the story of Ramayana is narrated in the Mahabharata. In fact, Mahabharata is presented as that text, into which, Bhagavan Vedavyasa has packed those esoteric meanings, only known to his infinitely supreme conciousness, which are not covered even in the Vedas. In short, Mahabharata, is that meta text that encompasses all teachings. Nothing is left unsaid here. Whatever is said elsewhere is here. If anything is not said here, it is not said anywhere else.
Provides the right vision
Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya provides the right vision to look at the teachings of the Mahabharata not just as a narration of the past events, but as an Itihasa, encompassing several layers of meaning, some of which go beyond the levels of human comprehension.
Central Theme
Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya is a meticulously planned metrical composition containing 32 chapters running into more than 5000 verses. Establishing the Supremacy of Vishnu and identification of Vishnu as the Para Brahman of the Vedas is the central theme of this work. It goes beyond the mere stories, episodes, events and personalities and exemplifies the spiritual, moral, ethical, intellectual and metaphysical aspects of this great classic.
Logical Arrangement
This work has been neatly organized into three important sections. The First part covering the first three chapters presents the summary of Mahabharata and entire scriptures and sets up a firm foundation on which the remaining two sections are built. The third chapter mentions the creation and ten incarnations of the Lord upto Ramavatara. The second section covering chapters 4 to 9 deals with the story of Ramayana in detail and the last section deals with the story of Mahabharata from chapters 10 to 32. The 10 chapter is specially dedicated to narrate the incarnation of Lord Vishu as Bhagavan Vedavyasa.
A critical edition of Mahabharata
This is a research work of immense value. The text applies a critical approach in bringing out a critical edition of Mahabharata. The need for a text of this nature arises because of the complexity of the original Mahabharata. Several variations to the original text have occurred. While some were accidental, some others were intentionally fabricated. Thus we need an authentic version of the Mahabharata to understand its true purport. This is achieved by this text.
Salient Features
» The purpose of Creation is elucidated
» Authentic information about which forms are considered to be the incarnations of Lord Vishnu and which are not is provided
» Supremacy of Lord Vishnu along with His consort Sri Mahalakshmi, who is second only to the Lord, is established beyond doubt
» Supremacy of Lord Vayu among the Jeevas is authenticated
» The comprehensive framework of knowledge about Lord Vishnu is envisaged comprising of the four principal components - Supremacy of Lord Vishnu, Dependent nature of the souls and their mutual gradation, The five-fold differences and envisaging the Vedas as the only means of knowledge about God
» Nature and definiton of Bhakti is elucidated
» The characteristics of a Spiritual Guru are vividly described
» The definition and characteristics of Samadhi, Darshana and Guhya schemes of language employed in the Mahabharata is expounded
» Amshavatara, various incarnations of the demi-gods, to serve in the Rama and Krishna avatataras is elucidated
» Significant clarifications on many controversial episodes are provided supplying the proper contexts and necessary authorities.
Conclusion
Sri Acharya concludes by stating that he is the third incarnation of Lord Vayu and a direct disciple of Lord Vedavyasa. This work, which presents the essence of all scriptures, is composed by the order and after receiving the instructions of Bhagavan Vedavyasa at Badari. Acharya closes by performing an invocation to Lord and prays for His divine grace.
यः सर्वगुणसम्पूर्णः सर्वदोषविवर्जितः ।
प्रियतां प्रीत एवालं विष्णुर्मे परमः सुहृत् ।।