The 108 Names of Sri Bhagavan (Ramana Ashtothara 7-10) Original Sanskrit by Sri Viswanatha Swami and English Translation & Commentary by Professor K. Swaminathan
7. Jagat-hitavatarah: One whose advent is for the well being of the world.
[The karana, the purpose for which he was born, is the welfare and salvation of the world. Bhagavan has this stanza about avatars.
When dharma wanes and evil reigns,
You appear to vanquish evil,
Restore dharma and give strength
To the virtuous and renew
Earth’s life. Who are we, after all,
To know in what illusive form
You come to save the world?
The play with mythology and metaphysics now becomes localised. The human child divine is born at a hallowed spot and gains illumination in another, both appropriate and well prepared by centuries of tradition, to re-establish the rule of dharma and ensure the world’s welfare. An avatar helps moksha-siddhi (the attainment of liberation by persons) and jagat hitam (the well-being of the world). Bhagavan fulfils both these purposes, which are indeed mutually complementary.
Om Jagat-hitavataraya namaha.
8. Sri Bhâminathasthalotthitah: He who sprang into being in the holy spot of Bhuminatha, or Tirumeninatha.
[The name of Siva in Tiruchuzhi is the “navel of the universe”].
Om Sri Bhâminathasthalotthitaya namah.
9. Parasara-Kulottamsah: Crown-jewel of the Parasara Kula.
[Parasara was the Maharshi who worshipped the Supreme as Agni and Bhagavan saw in Arunachala, the frozen column of fire, the symbol of the Supreme. The place and the family of his birth were both significant].
Om Parasara-Kulottamsaya namah.
10. Sundararya tapah phalam: Fruit of Sundara Iyer’s tapas (penance).
[Sundara, Alagu and Ramana are three words all meaning beauty or sweetness. A worthy father and a worthy mother were needed even for a Karanodbhava, and they must have accumulated much merit to have such a child].
Om Sundararya tapah phalaya namah.