chamakam

CHAMAKAM

In the Bhagavat Gita, Chapter VII, Shlokas 16 to 19, Bhagavan Sri Krishna explains the 4 types of virtuous men who worship Him - the man in distress (Aartah), the seeker of knowledge (Jijnaasuh), the seeker of wealth (Arthaarthee) and the wise (Jnaanee). The first 3 classes of persons are 'Sakaamas' (persons with desire); the 4th alone is 'Nishkaami' (serves God without desire). The first and third steps lead to the second, the desire to know the Self or God, which in turn leads finally to the fourth, worship of God with utter love and knowledge. The Rudram and Chamakam are mainly intended for the first three classes; their avowed goal is to lead these three groups to the fourth, the highest form of divine worship. For examples of pure 'Nishkaama' prayer, one has to resort to other portions of the Vedas- the Upanishads, the Bhagavatam, Vishnupurana, and the Tamil hymns of the Alwars and the Nayanmars.

We are all men of the world and we would naturally like to have the best of both the worlds as the Rudram states. The Chamakam takes you by the hand and says, "Now, look you! You do not really know what to ask and how to ask; I shall do it for you. If there is anything left over, you may add to my list". One is struck dumb after hearing the Chamakam, almost ashamed. Left to oneself, one's wildest imaginings would not have traversed over so wide a compass. All the good things of the earth are there. For what purpose? Not for the things themselves or the pleasures they afford; you are asked to drink deep the cup of earthly enjoyment; "But do not stop there; do not start and end up a materialist". Better than the pleasures of this world are those of the Swarga or Heaven of the Gods. With these transcient goods of the world , you can perform sacrifices unto the Gods and reach their abodes.

Hence, extend your prayer thus: "Let me get this thing and that, but let it be 'Yajnena Kalpataam', let me get them along with several sacrifices, so as to serve in them". Thereby you can rise in the scale of beings- from a man develop into a God. Go a step further still. Understand the secret of sacrifice- the sublimation of Kaarmic sacrifice into Jnaanic, the sort of sacrifice that the Creator Himself is performing with regard to His creation. You will attain Moksha or final release and dwell in Eternal Happiness.

Summary of the Chamakam

An analysis of the Chamakam reveals in what a cogent and logical manner it proceeds. There are 11 Anuvaakas:

Anuvaaka	Number of Material Objects- Desiderata	Style
01	36	Sareera, Body or Physical
02	38	Extension of Personality Seniority & Prominence
03	36	Kaama or Priya
04	38	Food & Drinks
05	31	Earth and its Treasures
06	20	Ardhendram A God coupled with Indra
07	29	Yajna Aayudhas- Anthar Anga
08	22	Yajna aayudhas- Bahir Anga
09	21	Yajna siddhi
10	31	Yajna Klipthi
11	41	Benedictions