Can you explain this gitam in kalyani?

Question

I'm studying a gitam in kalayni called Kamalaja dala. The translation I have is "Oh ! Lord who has eyes like the petals of the lotus, you blessed Gajendra with the Mercy like an ocean. Oh! Lord of Lakshmi, you destroyed Kesi and Narakasura. Oh! Grantor of boons, you have blessed velapura with your kind presence."

Who is Gajendra? Can you explain or tell me where to look for the story of Kesi and Narakasura? What is velapura? Can you provide a better translation for the gitam?

Answer 1

Gajendra means "Elephant King".

Narakasura was the son of Goddess earth, (referred to as Bhumi), by Lord Vishnu himself during his Varaha (boar) avatar. In other sources he is the son of the asura Hiranyaksa. He is said to have established the kingdom of Pragjyotisha in Assam after overthrowing the last of the Danava king Ghatakasura. It was foretold that he would be destroyed by a later incarnation of Vishnu. His mother, the earth, sought the boon from Vishnu that her son should have a long life, and that he should be all powerful. Vishnu readily granted these boons.

The legend of Narakasura is important in the history of Assam since Naraka is cited as the pregenitor of many dynasties that ruled Kamarupa in historical times. A hill, to the south of Guwahati is named after him. He is also associated with the myth of the sakta goddess and place of worship Kamakhya.


Kamalajadala

Anupallavi
Kamalajadala vimala sunayana
karivarada karunambudhe

Pallavi
Karuna sharadhe kamalakanta

Charanam
Keshi narakasura vibhedana
Varada velapura surottama (Karuna sharadhe)

MEANING:
"Oh! Merciful one with lotus-like eyes, you showed kindness to the elephant king, Gajendra. You, the lord of Lakshmi slew the demons Keshi and Narakasura. Your exalted presence resides in the city of Velapura."
Compiled by: Nitya Vijaykumar & Kiranavali