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Raam and Krishn : a comparison

An explanation of the word Raam is given in the Padm Puraan. The word comes from the Sanskrit root "Ram", which transforms to Ramante. Ramante means fulfilling pleasures and desires. Ramante yogino "nante". Amongst those who are Yogee, the Bhakti Yog is the topmost. Bhagvad Geetaa (6.47) says: "Yogeenaam api sarveñäà mad-gatenaantar Aatmanaa Aashraddhaavaan bhajate yo mäà sa me yuktatamo mata".

Yogee are not interested in material enjoyment because material enjoyment is temporary. Ramante Yogino "nante". Everyone is seeking happiness, blissful life, but those who are less intelligent, müòha, they are satisfied with the temporary
so-called happiness of material existence. But Yogee are not like that. Yogee are interested in permanent happiness. Therefore, the verse ends with Anante, not ante.

"Antavanta ime deha". Deha means this body. Antavanta ime deha nityasyoktäù Shareeraa: [Geetaa. 2.18]. But within the body, the proprietor of the body is eternal, Nitya. So, Nityo Nityaanaam if I am Nitya, eternal, then I should be interested in eternal happiness. But eternal happiness is not possible with this body. Therefore it is said, Ramante yogino Anante. So Raam means Anant Aanand, unlimited happiness. Raam is Para Brahm, and Krishn is also Para Brahm. Krishn is recognized by Arjun after understanding Bhagvad Geetaa : "Parabrahma para dhaama pavitra parama bhavan" You are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the ultimate abode, the purest, and the absolute truth. [Geetaa, 10.12] So there is no difference between Raam and Krishn.

Krishn is also Parabrahm and Raam is also Parabrahm. We Vaishav have equal faith and respect for all Vishnu Moorti. Raamaadi Moortiñu Raam, Narasinh, Varaah, Naaraayan, Mahaavishnu are A-Dwaitam Achyutam anaadim ananta-rüpam, unlimited forms that are without a second, without decay, and without a beginning. [Brahm Sanhitaa, 5.33] We Gaudiyaa or Madhwaa-Gaudiyaa Vaishnav are worshipers of Krishn's Moorti. There is no difference between Raam's Moorti and Krishn's Moorti. kåñëa Parabrahm Krishn is full-fledged. Although Raam is also full-fledged Parabrahm, he did not exhibit his full-fledged opulence. So these are very confidential things, but still both are Parabrahm.

We are all fallen souls. We have no power to approach the Supreme Personality of Godhead except as directed by Shaastra. So although there is no difference between Raam and Krishn, one devotee is attracted by one feature of Bhagavaan and the other is attracted by the other feature of Bhagavaan. Once, Krishn disappeared from the Raas dance and the Gopees were very eager to find Krishn again. Krishn appeared before them as Chaturbhuj Naaraayan. The Gopee saw the form of Naaraayan, but they did not become attracted by him. They said, "Oh, He is Naaraayan, Let us offer our respects, and then they went away. Actually there is no difference between Krishn and Naaraayan. But the Gopee were not very much interested in Naaraayan, they wanted Krishn, although there is no difference between Naaraayan and Krishn. Similarly, although there is no difference between Raam and Krishn, some devotees are attracted by Raam Moorti and some devotees are attracted by Krishn Moorti.

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