Taratamya
Gradation of Souls • Sri Hari Sarvottama • Sri Vayu Jeevottama
Introduction to Taratamya
To understand Hari Sarvottamatva, it is essential to understand the Taratamya — the gradation and hierarchy among souls and divine beings. Sri Madhwacharya graciously revealed this eternal order through Vedas, Puranas and Itihasas.
Every Devata has a specific role, responsibility and capability assigned by Bhagavanta Narayana. Just as a Principal, Professor and Lecturer perform different duties in an institution, similarly Brahma, Vayu, Rudra, Indra and others perform their respective divine duties according to their position.
Importance of Taratamya
Roles and Responsibilities
Lakshmi Devi presides over creation, while Brahma carries out the immediate responsibility of creation according to the command of Narayana.
Control of Senses
Rudra is the Mano Abhimani Devata. Through his grace, control over senses and emotions is attained.
Hierarchy
Brahma and Vayu control many Devatas, while Narayana alone is the supreme controller of all.
Hari Sarvottamatva
Praising lower Devatas as Supreme causes misunderstanding of the eternal hierarchy established by Bhagavanta. All Devatas must be worshipped with Antaryami Bhavana, understanding that Narayana alone is Sarvottama.
Taratamya – Gradation of Souls
- Vishnu
- Lakshmi
- Brahma and Vayu and all Rijus
- Saraswati and Bharati
- Garuda, Sesha and Rudra
- Shanmahishis – Six Wives of Krishna
- Suparni, Varuni and Parvati
- Indra and Kama
- Ahankarika Prana
- Svayambhuva Manu, Daksha, Brihaspati, Sachi, Rati
- Pravaha Vayu
- Vivasvan, Chandra, Yama
- Varuna
- Narada
- Bhrigu, Agni and Prasuti
- Marichi, Atri, Angirasa and other Prajapatis
- Mitra, Nirriti and Tara
- Vishwaksena, Ganapathi, Ashwini Devatas
- Karmaja Devatas
- Parjanya and other divine beings
- Svaha
- Kurmaadi Devatas
- Budha
- Devaki, Yashoda and Usha
- Shani and Dhara Devi
- Pushkara
- Ajanaja Devatas
- Pitru Devatas
- Deva Gandharvas
- Manushya Gandharvas
- Chakravartis
- Manushyottama
Relative Gradation Illustration
- Trina Jeeva ×100 = Manushyottama
- Manushyottama ×100 = Manushya Gandharva
- Manushya Gandharva ×100 = Deva Gandharva
- Deva Gandharva ×100 = Pitru Devata
- Pitru Devata ×100 = Ajanaja Devata
- Ajanaja Devata ×100 = Karma Devata
- Karma Devata ×100 = Devata
- Devata ×100 = Daksha Prajapati
- Daksha Prajapati ×100 = Indra
- Indra ×100 = Rudra
- Rudra ×100 = Chaturmukha Brahma
- Chaturmukha Brahma countless times = Lakshmi
- Lakshmi infinitely greater = Sri Narayana
Understanding the Divine Order
Every Devata functions according to the order of Bhagavanta. No Devata acts independently. Vayu is called Jeevottama because he is the greatest among Jeevas and acts as the bridge between Jeevas and Narayana.
Taratamya is not about pride or inequality, but about understanding divine order, responsibilities and spiritual truth.
Taatparya (Moral)
- Sri Hari alone is Sarvottama.
- Sri Lakshmi is equal to Him in Time and Space by His grace.
- Sri Vayu is Jeevottama.
- All Devatas should be worshipped according to Taratamya.
- Every soul has its own place and responsibility.
- Understanding Taratamya leads to correct devotion and spiritual knowledge.