Once some people in Srirangam approached Vankeepurathu Nambi, a disciple of Ramanuajacharya. They had a doubt, for which they sought clarification. The Sastras prescribe many ways of reaching Him. They wanted to know which of these they should follow. Nambi replied, “Remember Kshatrabandhu’s words.”
What was so significant about Kshatrabandhu’s words? Kshatrabandhu had said that he was a man of small intelligence. He could not control his mind. He said to the Lord that only through His anugraha could he attain moksha. So Kshatrabandhu had expressed his inability to save himself, and had cast the duty of protection on the Lord. That is why Nambi asked the people who came to him to remember Kshatrabandhu’s words. He wanted them to know that their efforts would take them nowhere, and that only the Supreme One’s grace would help.
The men approached Ramanuja, to check if Nambi’s answer was right, said P.T. Seshadri in a discourse. Ramanuja told them that Nambi was only partially right. Kshtrabandhu’s words were no doubt of significance, insofar as they emphasised that liberation came only through the Lord’s grace. But there was a flaw in what he had said. Kshatrabandhu had said that he worshipped the Lord and therefore hoped for His mercy. This sounds as if he sought noksha in return for his worship. But a true prapanna will not have this attitude.
Ramanuja said that instead they should emulate Kaliyan the snake.Kaliyan tells Krishna that he lacks the capacity to worship to get rid of his sorrow. He says that the Lord can expect nothing from him and only His anugraha can save him. Ramanuja saysthat this was the proper approach.