Narayaneeyam is a poetic Sanskrit text comprising 1,034 verses that condenses the extensive Bhagavata Puranam, consisting of 18,000 verses. This remarkable composition was crafted by Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri in 1586 AD when he was just 27 years old.
The origin of Narayaneeyam is connected to a touching story. Bhattathiri's Guru, Achyuta Pisharodi, suffered from a severe bout of rheumatism, causing unbearable pain. Unable to bear his Guru's suffering, Bhattathiri fervently prayed to Lord Krishna, requesting that the ailment be transferred to him instead, thus relieving his Guru of the agony. Lord Krishna granted his wish, and soon Bhattathiri experienced excruciating rheumatism himself. Despite various treatments, his condition worsened, leaving him crippled. He made a decision to surrender to Lord Krishna at the Guruvayur temple and seek His grace.
One day, Bhattathiri sought guidance from Tunjath Ezhuthachan (Ramanuja), a philosopher and ardent Krishna devotee of that era. Ezhuthachan instructed Bhattathiri to "Start with fish." Gradually, Bhattathiri realized that Ezhuthachan meant he would be cured if he composed a hymn glorifying the ten incarnations of Lord Krishna, commencing with the fish incarnation known as Matsyavatara.
With complete surrender to the feet of Lord Krishna at Guruvayur, Bhattathiri began composing Narayaneeyam. Each day, he wrote one "Dasakam" consisting of ten verses, and within a hundred days, he completed the entire work. At the end of each Dasakam, Bhattathiri prayed for mercy and kindness from the Lord. On the 100th day, the Lord blessed him with His divine vision. The famous 100th Dasakam, starting with "Agre Pashyami," meaning "here I see him in front of me," provides a vivid description of the most enchanting form of Lord Krishna from head to toe. From that day on, Bhattathiri was miraculously cured of his ailments and lived until the age of 96, respected as a philosopher, poet, and saint.
Narayaneeyam holds a magnetic allure for Krishna devotees. The poem is written entirely in the first-person singular, creating a direct conversation with the Lord. It reflects the poet's sincere devotion and heartfelt prayers to Lord Krishna, written amidst his pain and agony. Many consider Narayaneeyam a potent remedy for ailments and a tonic for longevity, health, and happiness, provided it is approached with genuine devotion.
