Dashakam 026 Gajendra Moksham

In this Dashakam of Narayaneeyam, known as Gajendra Moksha, holds significant spiritual importance as it narrates the story of the salvation of the elephant king Gajendra. According to the text, a king named Indradyumna was cursed to be born as an elephant. Despite this, he lived a pious and devoted life, remembering Lord Vishnu. One day, the elephant king was caught by a crocodile while bathing in a lake in the middle of the ocean of milk. Despite a long and fierce struggle lasting a thousand years, the elephant could not free himself. At the moment of utter surrender, Gajendra prayed to Lord Vishnu, who appeared riding His vehicle Garuda, killed the crocodile with the Sudarshana Chakra, and granted liberation (moksha) to the elephant king.

This Dasakam highlights the power of bhakti (devotion) and sincere prayer to the Lord during times of distress and the grace of God that destroys death and suffering, releasing the soul. It conveys that worldly help fails when one faces the jaws of death, and only surrender to the divine brings salvation. This story is symbolic of the devotee's journey from suffering to ultimate liberation through divine grace.

Thus, the significance of Dashakam 26 lies in illustrating the transformative power of devotion and God's benevolent intervention to grant rescue and liberation to his devotee in dire circumstances. It reinforces faith in God's mercy and the importance of surrender and prayer for spiritual freedom.

Namaskarams and Dhanyavadaha to Smt Savithri Ramesh and Smt Asha Murarka for their help.