This refers to Narayana Bhattathiri, who authored the Narayaneeyam.

Distinguished Qualities

• Bhattathiri is the subject of great reverence due to his profound knowledge (Vaidushya Poorthi) and numerous works.
• His significance is enhanced by the fact that he was the disciple who took on the Vata rogam (rheumatism) of his own Acharyan (teacher), Achyuta Pisharody.
• He composed the Narayaneeyam at the suggestion of Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan to alleviate this disease.

This refers to the primary listener of the Narayaneeyam, who is Lord Krishna (Guruvayoorappan) Himself.

Unique Distinction

The work is unique because it was not publicly inaugurated (Arangetram) but was directly heard and received by the deity, making the Lord the listener.

This refers to Guruvayoor.

Sacred Significance

• Its ancient importance is established by the fact that King Janamejaya was cured of Tva-cha rogam (skin disease) there, suggesting the deity has been present for a minimum of 5,000 years.
• The location is where the Prachetasas performed penance and sang the Rudra Geetam, delighting the Lord.
• The location itself gets its name from Guru (Brihaspati) and Vayu (the Wind God), who together consecrated the idol.

This refers to the content of the Narayaneeyam, which is the essence (Saram) of the Srimad Bhagavatam.

Content Excellence

• The text is composed of 1,034 slokas divided into 100 Dasakams (chapters).
• The first sloka itself describes the Supreme Brahman as being readily manifest and visible in Guruvayoor (Tatavat Bhati Sakshat Guru Pavana Pure).

In summary, the Narayaneeyam is characterized by these four distinguished features:

1. Its exalted author (Bhattathiri)
2. Its divine listener (Guruvayoorappan)
3. Its sacred location (Guruvayoor)
4. Its sublime content (the summary of the Bhagavatam)

These four Vailakshanyams together establish the Narayaneeyam as a work of unparalleled spiritual and literary significance in the Hindu devotional tradition.

This blog post is based on notes taken from the following video : Video Source: Watch on YouTube For a more detailed explanation, I highly recommend watching the original video.

These articles are based on discourses by Sri Dushyanth Sridhar, who renders discourses in English & Tamil on Rāmāyana, Mahābhārata, Bhāgavata, Vishnu Purāna, Bhagavad Gitā, Vishnu Sahasranāma, and Divya Prabanda in the upanyāsam, pravachanam, or kālakshepam style. Visit https://desikadaya.org for more information. These notes are presented solely for educational purposes to help viewers download and benefit from these teachings. Any incorrect interpretations or inaccuracies are mine and unintentional—please forgive me. For any feedback, please send an email.