The Five Hymns of Kūrattāzhvān
Pañcastava ('five hymns') refers to the five celebrated Sanskrit stotras composed by Kūrattāzhvān (Śrī Kūreśa), the foremost disciple of Rāmānuja. These hymns are among the most exquisite pieces of Sanskrit devotional poetry in the Sri Vaishnava tradition, combining philosophical depth with intense personal devotion.
The Five Hymns
The five stotras are: (1) Vaikuṇṭha Stava; (2) Atimānuṣa Stava; (3) Sundarabāhu Stava, in praise of the Lord of Tirumāliruñcōlai; (4) Varadarāja Stava, in praise of Varadarāja Perumāḷ at Kāñcīpuram; and (5) Śrī Stava, in praise of Śrī Mahālakṣmī.
Doctrinal Significance
The Pañcastava weaves together the philosophical commitments of Vishishtadvaita with intensely personal devotion. Kūrattāzhvān was renowned for his Sanskrit scholarship and his profound humility — the hymns reflect both. The Śrī Stava's celebration of Lakṣmī's mediating role (purushakāra) is particularly important theologically.
Context of Composition
According to tradition, Kūrattāzhvān composed the Varadarāja Stava while temporarily blinded (by a Shaiva king who had his eyes put out). Even in this suffering, his devotion was undimmed — and tradition holds that his sight was restored through the Lord's grace after the composition of this hymn.