Previously the Dvaya mantra was explained. In the first part of that mantra, the means is explained. Since this means is dictated by the Lord it is dear to Him, as seen in the shloka that represents the entire Bhagavad Gita ("sarva dharmAn ..."). Therefore, this shloka was determined by our acharyas to be the third rahasya.

Not only is surrender dictated by the Lord Himself in this shloka; it also shows that the sacrifice of other means as part of the surrender, sacrificing the thought that the surrender itself is the means and gaining release from the sins is part of the goal. Therefore the Carama shloka is an explanation for the Dvaya mantra.

It is to listen to the meanings of this shloka that Swami Ramanujar walked eighteen times to Thirukkottiyur Nambi. Seeing the greatness of the shloka's meanings and the lack of people who deserved to learn them, Nambi decided to test the strength, character and desire of Ramanuja and made him walk this many times. Satisfied with the testing, he then made Ramanuja fast for a month, take a vow of secrecy and then taught him the meanings of this shloka.