saranagati Sharanagati – Sharanagati (surrender to God) is best done through an Acharya or Guru. We do not have the capacity to surrender ourselves.

Therefore, we seek refuge in an Acharya who knows everything and through him offer refuge to Perumal. This is called Pancha Sanskar. In some sects, they also perform ‘Bharanyasam’ separately, while in some others, they perform Bharanyasam as part of the Pancha Sanskaram, said Thirukkudanthai Dr Venkatesh.

After surrendering to Perumal through an Acharya, one is required to have ‘Maha Vishwasam’: the belief that no matter what the situation, Perumal will take care of him. Many devotees believe that because they follow daily practices like Sandhyavandan, reciting the Vedas, visiting temples, being a part of Namasankirtan, listening to discourses, they will attain salvation. Such idea should be rejected but the practices should be continued with more enthusiasm.

Give up the idea that only He helps in reaching moksha and consider Perumal alone as your only refuge. With his divine qualities, he offers us the most precious salvation. As mere mortal beings, we must realize this and perform all the services possible during this lifetime.

We reach Him only through His divine grace (Mam Ekam Sharanam Vraja). The Lord, in turn, assures us, aham tvam sarva papebhyo mokshayishyami (He will remove all our sins) and orders us not to worry (ma shucha). The faith that we receive with our whole heart is surrender.

We hold the feet of God by surrendering ourselves to an Acharya. We continue our practices with the understanding that we do not reach salvation through such demonstrations, but He grants us salvation because of His compassion. There are five aspects of surrender.

We should do what Perumal likes. We should avoid doing what Perumal dislikes. Have strong faith that He will take care of us.

Without this recognition, surrender is invalid. One must realize that Perumal is the only refuge, no one else, and request Perumal to take care of us. Keeping these aspects in mind, when one surrenders, firmly believes and surrenders at the lotus feet of the Acharya, while remaining humble and respectful towards him, salvation is guaranteed.